Dubai, Oct 29 (IANS): Fresh from his win at Valencia and Vienna, World No.8 Andy Murray is participating in the inaugural International Premier Tennis League (IPTL), a pioneering new event that promises to revolutionise the way the world looks at the game and transcend the popularity of the much-loved sport.
Murray is pleased about the league, which brings the thrill of the well-liked format to a sport that is followed by millions across the world. “It’s definitely exciting to be part of it in the first year,” he says.
“I like the format. Tennis is an individual sport and you don’t get to interact with others during your matches that much. When I was younger I used to play a lot of football, and I always enjoyed being part of a team, so being able to have that feeling of being part of a team again will be good,” he said.
Murray is playing for the Manila ‘Mavericks’, IPTL’s Manila franchise, alongside icons such as Maria Sharapova, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Kirsten Flipkens, Daniel Nestor, Carlos Moya and top Philippines player Treat Huey.
“Playing in Manila will be fun. The fans there don’t get to see a lot of live tennis, so that will be good. With the season being so busy, it can be difficult to take a holiday so you don’t often get to travel anywhere different to the countries on the tour,” explains the 27-year-old star.
“Attracting new fans to the sport is important and I’m looking forward to helping take tennis somewhere new. The IPTL format is something that has never been done before and there are many different aspects that make it interesting. The shot clock is a great idea and will speed play up and make tennis even more exciting for the fans with the shorter breaks between points. The fact that every game counts toward the team score is also a great idea, you’re not just playing for yourself, you have to think about your team mates as well and put them in as strong a position as possible at the end of your own set in the match,” he exclaims.
When asked if the weight of responsibility to Manila is on his shoulders, Murray laughed and said: “We win as a team and we lose as a team and I’m sure we will all do our best to support each other. There are some great players in our team. I’m going to make sure I’m prepared and try to play as best as I can and enjoy the new experience. Obviously I don’t want to reveal too much, just in case our rivals are reading this!”
Murray is often referred to as a sporting legend but feels he is still too young to be classed alongside people that would be given that title, explaining that he still has a few good years of my career left.
"I hope I can win more events and Grand Slams,” he says smiling.
Murray will be visiting Manila for the first time and is looking forward to exploring the country.
“Whenever I am in a new place, I like to try and take in some of the sights. I’ve heard the Intramuros in Manila is pretty spectacular. I have also heard of some great restaurants in the area, so I’m quite excited to explore. I am also hoping to meet an idol of mine, Manny Pacquiao, and I will try to get him along to a match. Am not sure what his tennis is like, but will happily give him a few tips!” he said.