Tennis

The sixth edition of the Tennis Premier League (TPL) is set to enthrall tennis enthusiasts from December 3-8 at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai. The tournament will feature a star-studded lineup, with Indian ace Sumit Nagal and France's Hugo Gaston headlining the men's category. Poland's Magda Linette, ranked 41st in the world, and Armenia's Elina Avanesyan, ranked 52nd, will lead the women's field.The TPL will adopt a 25-point format, with each franchise playing five matches to qualify for the semifinals. Each match will comprise men's singles, women's singles, mixed doubles, and men's doubles, with a total of 100 points at stake. The top four teams in the points table will advance to the semifinals.Seven franchises will compete for the coveted title: PBG Pune Jaguars, Bengal Wizards, Punjab Patriots, Hyderabad Strikers, Gujarat Panthers, Mumbai Leon Army, and defending champions Bengaluru SG Pipers.To foster young talent, the TPL has partnered with the Gujarat State Tennis Association (GSTA), Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA), and Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) to conduct district ranking tournaments. The league has also launched its own mobile app to connect the tennis community across India and track player progress.The TPL aims to promote tennis at the grassroots level and provide a platform for aspiring players to showcase their skills. The tournament is expected to attract a large audience and generate excitement among tennis fans across the country.

Russian-born tennis star Elina Avanesyan has officially switched her allegiance to Armenia, marking a significant moment in her career and for Armenian tennis. The world No. 58 announced her decision on social media, expressing her pride and excitement for this new chapter.Avanesyan's journey to Armenian representation has been shaped by her family's heritage. Born to Armenian parents who fled Russia during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, she has always maintained a strong connection to her ancestral homeland.Despite representing Russia in the past, Avanesyan's decision to compete for Armenia reflects her desire to honor her roots and contribute to the growth of tennis in the country. As the only Armenian athlete on the WTA rankings, she carries the hopes of a nation on her shoulders.Avanesyan's impressive career trajectory has seen her reach the second week of Roland Garros for the past two years, including a notable victory over future Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in 2022. Her current career-high ranking of No. 58 is a testament to her talent and determination.With her switch to Armenia, Avanesyan will make her Grand Slam debut for her new country at the 2024 US Open. This historic moment will not only mark a new chapter in her career but also inspire aspiring Armenian tennis players.Avanesyan's decision is a powerful symbol of the enduring bonds between athletes and their heritage. It highlights the importance of representation and the role that sports can play in fostering national pride and unity.

Elina Avanesyan Continues Giant-Killing Run at Roland Garros, Upsets No. 7 Zheng QinwenPARIS—Elina Avanesyan, the 21-year-old Russian sensation, has continued her remarkable run at Roland Garros, becoming the second Top 8 seed to fall before the fourth round. On Saturday, she defeated No. 7 Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6), joining No. 6 Maria Sakkari as an upset victim.Avanesyan's victory is a testament to her rapidly rising star. Ranked 70th in the world, she now boasts an impressive 5-0 record against Top 15 players. Her upset of Sakkari in straight sets at the Australian Open earlier this year hinted at her potential, and she has now confirmed her status as a force to be reckoned with.Zheng, the Australian Open runner-up, fought back from a 2-5 deficit in the third set to force a tiebreaker. However, Avanesyan remained composed and played with the same tenacity that had put Zheng in such a precarious position.The pivotal moment came at 8-6 in the tiebreaker. A lengthy rally ensued, with both players displaying exceptional court coverage and power. Avanesyan ultimately prevailed when Zheng's forehand sailed wide.Avanesyan's victory was a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Despite the rain delays and challenging conditions, she maintained her focus and executed her game plan with precision."After a few days here, I guess everybody gets used to these [conditions]," Avanesyan said about the rain. "On the break we were just playing cards and drinking tea to be honest. It was really nice."Avanesyan will now face either Bianca Andreescu or 12th-seeded Jasmine Paolini in the fourth round. She is relishing the opportunity to continue her dream run at Roland Garros, a tournament that holds special significance for her."It's a really magical place for me," Avanesyan said. "Last year was amazing, this year as well."