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By Chris Oddo | Sunday, December 7, 2014

 
Roger Federer, New Delhi, IPTL

After leading the Indian Aces to victory, Roger Federer spoke about the future of the IPTL with reporters in New Delhi.

Photo Source: IPTL

Roger Federer made his IPTL debut on Sunday, leading his Micromax Indian Aces to victory by winning mixed doubles (with Sania Mirza), doubles (with Rohan Bopanna) and Singles (against Tomas Berdych).

More IPTL: Agassi Thinks New League is Poised to Grow

The 17-time Grand Slam champion even did a little dancing on the sideline:


But more important for fans of the league was the upbeat forecast that Federer gave in regard to the legitimacy of the fledgling operation as it nears the completion of its opening season.

“Its early days, but the IPTL definitely has a regular place for our sport,” Federer said. “To have more interaction, more fun, different rules, you bend it, customize so it works for everybody involved. It’s a very interesting concept.”

Federer adds that coming to tennis-starved regions like Manila and New Delhi can be as rewarding for the players as it is for the fans who’ve shown up in droves during this inaugural IPTL season.

“I like the idea that it’s in this part of the world where you don’t see that many tournaments after all. It’s a very fascinating part of the world and for us to come here, is good," he said. "Those who want to play competitive in the off season can do it, and those who don’t want to, don’t have to. It’s also a fun team aspect, because the tour can get lonely for some us sometimes. It gives us an opportunity to be part of something special. Motivates you for the following season. When they announce you like a superstar when you walk back out, it’s special.”

For Federer, who is slated to meet Novak Djokovic in one of the league’s most heavily anticipated matchups tomorrow, the experience has been everything he could have hoped for and more. “It’s my first time in India playing tennis, so it’s a big deal for me,” the 17-time Grand Slam champion said. “I thought it’s a great innovation, people seem happy to see me, I was excited when I saw the lights flashing while introducing me, it was a goose-bump atmosphere. It was definitely a very cool moment for me in my career.”

The league will conclude its three-day run in New Delhi on Monday, with Federer’s Aces taking on Novak Djokovic’s UAE Royals, while the Manila Mavericks will face the Singapore Slammers.

For more on the league, click here

 

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