Champions Tennis League: Leander Paes Replaces David Ferrer in Punjab Marshalls

Champions Tennis League (CTL) on Tuesday announced that top Indian doubles player Leander Paes will compete for Punjab Marshalls, replacing Spaniard David Ferrer.

"I am truly delighted that our own Leander Paes will replace David Ferrer in CTL making a very strong Indian presence in the Punjab Marshalls team. Leander will be playing men's doubles with Somdev and mixed doubles with Garbine Muguruza, which makes the Marshalls a very formidable force in the Northern Group," CTL promoter Vijay Amritraj said.

On being part of the team, Paes said: "I am very happy to be a part of Vijay Amritraj's CTL, playing for the Marshalls. I am looking forward to a very competitive and challenging league format that will bring some of the best international tennis to different parts of the country."

"I look forward to playing with Somdev, Garbine, and together, I believe, we will be a strong contender for the title."

Pune Franchise Named Pune Marathas

The Pune franchisee of the inaugural Champions Tennis League (CTL) was named Pune Marathas and its logo unveiled by tournament promoter Vijay Amritraj on Tuesday.

Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, ex-World No.8 Marcos Baghdatis, Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska and India's Saketh Myneni will represent the franchise in the tournament.

The team will play their home matches at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Tennis Complex.

Pune Marathas will play their first match against Hyderabad Aces Nov 18.

The franchise is owned by Mysport, which has been promoted by Rendezvous Group.

"We are very happy that Vijay Amritraj, a tennis legend, has come up with such a wonderful idea and the group has grabbed this opportunity and agreed to participate in CTL and acquired as the CTL will fulfill their dream for development of tennis," team principal Milind Tamhane said in a statement.