ROGER FEDERER IS SERIOUS ABOUT THE IPTL TENNIS LEAGUE, HE ISN’T PLAYING SCOOBY – DOO!

Written by: Staff on 15th December 2015

International Tennis Premier League in Dubai

ROGER FEDERER IS SERIOUS ABOUT THE IPTL TENNIS LEAGUE, HE ISN'T PLAYING SCOOBY - DOO!

epa05069142 Roger Federer of OBI UAE Royals in action against Ivo Karlovic of Philippine Mavericks during their match of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 14 December 2015. EPA/ALI HAIDER |

Roger Federer appears to be taking the competition at the IPTL seriously, with the Swiss ace defining the three-week international team series in Asia as something more than an exhibition.

The 17-time Grand Slam event winner is playing a handful of ties for the Dubai side, with the Swiss competing last week in India for the Royals and set to finish off his commitment in Dubai this week. Federer got a taste of the fan excitement of the December exercise as he was beaten in a tiebreak set by Rafael Nadal in India, a match which created huge excitement on the subcontinent.

“The question is what is an exhibition? There is a kids’ day exhibition in Australia Nickelodeon style, obviously where you hit and giggle with Scooby Doo, you know,” said Federer when asked if the series was merely another exhibition. “This is not Scooby Doo, so clearly we are playing serious tennis.

“You have 15,000 people who are serious about tennis, so it is a question of who is in the crowd. Is the crowd filled with 10-year-olds because it’s the kids’ day or is it because people want to see great tennis and support the Indian Aces and the UAE Royals? Depends on how you see it, to me it is serious tennis with the fun aspect of playing for your team.”

Roger Federer (R) and Marin Cilic (L) of OBI UAE Royals in action against Treat Huey and Edouard Roger-Vasselin of Philippine Mavericks during their match of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 14 December 2015. EPA/ALI HAIDER

The major diplomat and unofficial figurehead, of the sport, said he was impressed by the legends (Goran Ivanisevic, Carlos Moya and Marat Safin) who are taking part in the event, which features men’s and women’s singles, doubles and legends, all in a one-set format.

“It’s played with great spirit and fair play. And seeing the legends play in the team, it is phenomenal to see them. I would like to give them a shout out for playing so well because I think it is really hard for them to do what they are doing. Personally, I love it, so call it an exhibition or not, I don’t know what it is but it is a fun concept and that’s why I am back here again,” said Federer.

Story via Bob Larson tennis News.

Topics: International Premier Tennis League, IPTL, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis News, UAE Royals

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10sBalls_com says:

December 15, 2015 at 10:16 am

-@rogerfederer Is Serious About The @iptl #Tennis League, He Isn’t Playing Scooby-Doo!
https://t.co/lUfHF8GnRl #IPTL2015 #Federer