Roger Federer has replaced the injured Rafael Nadal in the Delhi-based Indian Aces team for the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL). After Nadal withdrew from the US Open this month because of a dodgy wrist, doubts were expressed about Spanish star’s trip to India for the year-ending tournament. There were also fears that the league would miss the leading light of tennis world and this would have an impact on the popularity of this enterprise. But by drafting Federer, the IPTL organisers haven’t let the star power of the event diminish.

The Swiss will be teaming up with Pete Sampras, Gael Monfils, Ana Ivanovic, Sania Mirza, Rohan Bopanna and Fabrice Santoro. Though, Federer is scheduled to play the Davis Cup final from November 21 to 23, the IPTL founder Mahesh Bhupathi asserted that the 17-time Grand Slam winner was committed to feature in the November 28 to December 13 event.

“It took over two years to put the IPTL together and we were also in talks with Roger. But he had prior commitments so could not confirm his availability earlier but now he is going to play in the inaugural edition of the tournament,” Bhupathi said.

In a televised video message on Monday, Federer said: “I am really looking forward to making my first trip to New Delhi and playing for the Indian Aces. My team tells me that there are a lot of tennis fans and my supporters in the region, so I hope you can come out and support me in December.” While Nadal has played in India previously — at the Chennai Open — this will be the first time Federer will take court in the country.

Nadal disappointed

Meanwhile, Nadal in a statement regretted missing the India trip. “I am very disappointed to announce that I will not be part of the first edition of the IPTL. I was looking forward to representing the Indian Aces,” Nadal said. Four teams will compete over five such single set matches in Manila, Singapore, Delhi and Dubai. The Delhi leg of the tournament will be held from December 6 to 8.