The Indian audience might just be able to watch one of the best, if not the best player of all-time in the flesh with Roger Federer reportedly set to be signed by the India franchise for the International Premier Tennis League.
Rafael Nadal was the marquee signing for the India team, which will also see teams from the UAE, Singapore and the Philippines compete.
However, with Nadal now struggling with an injury, it seems like the Spanish wizard, another one of the all-time greats in tennis, has decided against competing in the IPTL, leaving the door open for another big star to be brought in by the India franchise.
And that player looks like being Federer, with the owners, Micromax, of the franchise -- the Indian Aces -- agreeing terms with the Swiss maestro.
Some of the biggest names in tennis, including the likes of Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova, apart from Nadal, were roped in for this tournament -- the brainchild of Mahesh Bhupathi -- which was scheduled to be held at the end of the year.
Federer had initially decided against taking up the offer, but not it looks like the great man will make his presence felt in India.
Bhupathi and the IPTL, on Monday afternoon, confirmed Nadal's pull out and Federer's inclusion in the India franchise, with the Swiss master teaming up with Sania Mairza, Rohan Bopanna, Gael Monfils, Ana Ivanovic and the legendary Pete Sampras.
We regret to announce that due to health reasons, #RafaelNadal will not be playing in the #IPTL. We're rooting for you, #GetWellSoonRafa!
— IPTL (@iptl) September 22, 2014
https://t.co/5yqgQPClMx @rogerfederer @PeteSampras @Gael_Monfils @AnaIvanovic @MirzaSania @rohanbopanna @iptl team india #BreakTheCode
— Mahesh Bhupathi (@Maheshbhupathi) September 22, 2014
Meanwhile, one player who will definitely not be playing in the IPTL this year is Victoria Azarenka, after the Belarusian announced she will sit out the rest of the 2014 season to recover from injury.
An ankle injury has hampered the two-time the Australian Open champion considerably this year, with Azarenka plummeting from number two in the world all the way down to number 25.
"It has been a very tough year for me," the 25-year-old said.
"I have been trying my best to improve day in and day out by pushing and pushing, but that does not appear to be the best approach for me right now.
"I will use this time to work on making a full recovery and take care of my body to compete at my best next season.
"I always believe that everything happens for a reason, but it is up to you to make the best out of it, and that is exactly what I am going to do."
