Mahesh Bhupathi: Leander Paes refused to play in the IPTL

Mahesh Bhupathi (L) and Leander Paes won a lot of tournaments together

The Indian leg of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) was a resounding success as fans flocked to the stadiums to watch their favourite tennis players in action. One thing that caused dismay to the fans was the lack of Indian representatives at the tournament.

Notable absentees were Leander Paes and Somdev Devvarman as only two Indians, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna, participated in the ongoing inaugural edition of the tournament.

The founder of the IPTL, Mahesh Bhupathi said that his estranged doubles partner Leander Paes turned down the invitation to play in the tournament.

Asked whether the event will see more Indians next year including Paes and Devvarman, Bhupathi replied, "They all are invited. They were invited this year as well.

"Somdev preferred to play in the Indian league (CTL) and Leander did not want to play," said the former doubles Grand Slam champion.

“There won’t be another Indian team”

Bhupathi was visibly pleased with the way the Indian leg went. "Personally for me, it was very important to put a big show in India. There was a lot of scepticism before the league began. The kind of talent came here, the fans reciprocated. Players need that kind of atmosphere to play in," said Bhupathi.

He added that all the players are committed for next year and by February, 2015, the player field for next season will be ready.

He ruled out the presence of another Indian team in the League but said the owners have the option to move around cities.

"Will there be another team in India? The answer is no, but the owners have the option to move around the cities, spread the wealth, as they say," Bhupathi added.