In a cricket-obsessed nation, the Tennis Premier League (TPL) is serving up something refreshingly different. Since its launch in 2018 by Kunal Thakkur and Mrunal Jain, TPL has emerged as Asia’s biggest tennis league, transforming how India plays, views, and engages with professional tennis. With an innovative team format, celebrity involvement, and international reach, TPL is redefining tennis for a new generation.
Fast-Paced Format Equal Opportunity Maximum Entertainment
Unlike traditional tennis tournaments, TPL brings a team-based, franchise model that mirrors the excitement of league sports. Each team consists of players competing across men’s singles, women’s singles, mixed doubles, and men’s doubles, ensuring gender balance and broad representation.
TPL’s 25-point per match format delivers high-octane action and fast turnarounds—perfect for today’s digital and attention-scarce age. With every match impacting the overall team score, strategy and consistency are key, and each player, regardless of category, plays a decisive role.
Meet the Teams and Their Leaders
Each TPL franchise is backed by prominent entrepreneurs, celebrities, and mentors who bring not just financial support but deep passion for the game:
- Chennai Smashers (Tamil Nadu)
Co-Owners: Vipul Bansal, Dharmendra Goel, Sonali Bendre
Mentor: – (Proudly representing the vibrant tennis culture of Tamil Nadu, the Smashers are known for their consistency and star power.)
- Rajasthan Rangers (Rajasthan)
Co-Owner: Mr. Rohan Gandotra
Mentor: Mr. Nandan Bal - Yash Mumbai Eagles (Maharashtra)
Co-Owner: Mr. Yash Mahamuni
Mentor: Ms. Radhika Tulpule - Punjab Patriots (Punjab)
Co-Owner: Ms. Taapsee Pannu
Mentor: Mr. Kedar Shah - Bengaluru SG Pipers (Karnataka)
Co-Owner: Mr. Rohan Gupta
Mentors: Mr. Mahesh Bhupathi, Mr. Balachandran Manikkath - Gujarat Panthers (Gujarat)
Co-Owner: Mr. Ramku Patgir
Mentor: Mr. Shrimal Bhatt - Bengal Wizards (West Bengal)
Co-Owner: Mr. Yatin Gupte
Mentor: Mr. Gaurav Kapadia
Brand Ambassador: Sania Mirza - Hyderabad Strikers (Telangana)
Co-Owners: Mr. Rajdeep Dalmia, Ms. Rakul Preet Singh
Mentor: Mr. Suresh Krishna
These leaders are not only elevating their teams but also contributing to the league’s strong culture of mentorship, professionalism, and fan engagement.
Chennai Smashers: Powering South India’s Tennis Ambition
Representing Tamil Nadu with pride and passion, Chennai Smashers has become a core pillar of the TPL. With the dynamic leadership of Vipul Bansal, Dharmendra Goel, and Bollywood icon Sonali Bendre, the team brings both sportsmanship and celebrity charisma to the court. Their commitment to excellence and their role in popularizing tennis in South India reflects the true spirit of the league.
A Platform for Growth and Glory
Beyond the glamour, TPL plays a critical role in developing Indian tennis talent. Collaborating with leading state tennis associations like GSTA, DLTA, and MSLTA, and launching district ranking tournaments, TPL helps scout, nurture, and promote rising stars across the country.
The recently introduced TPL app further enhances player discovery, enabling real-time talent tracking and deeper engagement from fans, coaches, and scouts.
Global Stars Local Heroes Unmatched Reach
Season 6, held at the Cricket Club of India, Mumbai, featured international names like Hugo Gaston (France) and Magda Linette (Poland), along with Indian ace Sumit Nagal. TPL’s media partnerships with Sony Sports Network, JioCinema, and Sports18 helped it surpass 100 million impressions on social media, underlining its meteoric rise in popularity.
By integrating high-level tennis with the energy of entertainment and the reach of digital media, TPL is making tennis mainstream and aspirational in India.
Conclusion: Changing the Game, One Match at a Time
The Tennis Premier League is not just elevating the sport, it’s revolutionizing it. From its inclusive format and corporate backing to celebrity involvement and grassroots focus, TPL is creating a thriving, sustainable ecosystem for Indian tennis.
And for teams like the Chennai Smashers, this is more than competition, it’s a mission to inspire, uplift, and bring Indian tennis to the global center court.