5 reasons why Roger Federer is the biggest draw at the 2015 IPTL

The IPTL has evolved considerably in the one year that it has been in existence. And the changes – which include the migration of Roger Federer from Indian Aces to UAE Royals – have all been for the good. Quite a few eyebrows were raised when Federer announced his decision to play in three IPTL legs – Dubai, India and Singapore. But for the fans, there was no shortage of ecstasy at the thought of getting to watch Federer a lot more than initially expected. So what is it about the Swiss that makes him such an in-demand player, someone who people keep wanting to watch more and more everywhere and anywhere in the world? Here's a look at the reasons why Federer is such an irresistible draw, and easily the biggest attraction at the IPTL.

#5 As a magician with a racquet, he\'s a genuine crowd-puller

A banner during the IPTL match between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic last year

In utmost honesty, does there really have to be a justification to watch the maestro play? He is a magician on the court, with his fabulous touch and silken movement making him truly stand out from the crowd.

It is often said that Federer glides on the court while everyone else seems to be stomping and sprinting on it. His delicate slices, razor-sharp volleys, deft drop shots regularly make the spectators ooh and aah, while his sudden bursts of power and pace leave his opponents completely befuddled. It's also been said that watching Roger Federer play is like a religious experience, and not many of his fans of which there are millions would disagree.

All of Federer's artistry, his finesse, his magic, can bebe experienced first-hand only by going and watching Federer playon the court. So when he comes to town for the IPTL, all tennis followers would be desperate to get a glimpse of his play.

#4 A thorough professional armed with terrific sportsmanship

In terms of professionalism, Federer is second to none

Adheringto your professional commitments is always a quality thats heavily desired in an athlete. And Federer is the perfect embodiment of that quality he's the consummate professional, never wavering from his commitments.

Despite playing many more matches each year than the average player, Federer has never retired from a match in his career. That's an incredible feat whichever way you look at it in more than 1,000 matches he's played, he's never once succumbed to his injuries or aches, choosing instead to complete every contest that he competes in.

But it doesn't stop there; not only is Federer the consummate professional, he's also widely acknowledged as the most sportsmanlike of all tennis players. The Swiss ace has won the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship award 11 times in the last 12 years, and this is an award that is voted for by the players themselves.

Federer's respect and appreciation for his peers, coupled withhis unswerving honesty and professionalism, have endeared him to the world in a way that's never seen before. He respects everyone, which in turn has made everyone else respect him too.

#3 The fire still burns within, even at the age of 34

Federer still has the burning desire to win

Passion is the base upon which a sportspersons professional life is built. It defines and justifies an athletes successand even facilitates comebacks in the case of setbacks.The Swiss No. 1 is no different, with his passion being visible over and over again inevery tournament he plays.

Federer may be 34 years old now, but he still celebrates every success with childlike enthusiasm, and still reacts with wild anger to every little mistake.

At the IPTL too, the 17-time Grand Slam champion has been keento give his best. He put on a spectacular show in his match against Novak Djokovic in the first season, winning the set 6-5 with a flurry of majestic shots and impossible gets.

The fans can easily see and appreciatethis ever-burning fire within Federer, and they will flock to see him take the court at every venue he plays because they know he will give his best, no matter what.

#2 His role in popularizing the game

Federer giving the crowd a traditional Indian greeting at last year's IPTL

Federers presence in the IPTL is a perfect culmination of the veryintent behind the events initiation. The IPTL seeks to bring tennis to those places in the world where tennis isn't exactly the most popular sport. By having a player of the ilk ofFederer, the tournament's profile is raised several notches higher, making even the casual observers tune in with interest.

Last year, crowd numbers swelled greatly in Delhi as Federer made hisappearance in the India leg over one weekend. And he mesmerized the audience not just with his tennis, but also with hisawkwardly groovy dance skills.

Federer's game has often been held up as the connoisseur's ideal, and his achievements coupled with his gentlemanly behaviour on and off the court have made him one of the most popular athletes in the world. With his ever-increasing fame and incredible longevity, Federer is helping spread the game of tennis far beyond its usual boundaries.

It's no surprise then that the IPTL audiences want to catch a piece of the legend while they can.

#1 The international icon with a humanitarian side

Federer working as the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2006

In a way, Federer has long gone pastbeing an icon of just the tennis world. Hes truly an international icon, with his associations ranging from leading global brands to several socio-humanitarian activities.

Last year he famously fulfilled the wish of a cancer survivor by taking time out of his schedule and meeting her. And that's just one of the numerous charitable endeavours he has undertaken over the years.

Federer's philanthropic work has led to his name and fame spreading far and wide across theworld, with everyone not only idolizing him, but also connecting with him as a human being.

There are very few sportspersonswho have managed to reachsuch highs. With his off-court activities and humanitarian efforts,Federer has managed to enthral and intriguehis legion of fans even more.