Mumbai, 06 October (H.S.): Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna and international stars Roman Andres Burruchaga and Rinky Hijikata are among the eight players named as marquee players for the eighth season of the KIA Tennis Premier League. The players’ auction will be held on October 12 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Mumbai.

Eight franchises — Mumbai Royals, Rajasthan Rangers, Gurugram Grand Slammers, Kolkata Thunder Blades, Lucknow Blazers, Hyderabad Strikers, Gujarat Panthers and GS Delhi Aces — will build their respective squads around their marquee players at the auction.

Representing Gurugram Grand Slammers, 46-year-old Rohan Bopanna is the biggest name among the marquee players. The Indian veteran is a former world No. 1 in men’s doubles and a two-time Grand Slam champion. He won the mixed doubles title at the 2017 French Open and the men’s doubles title at the 2024 Australian Open. A recipient of the Padma Shri and Arjuna Award, Bopanna is regarded as one of the most successful players in Indian tennis.

Bopanna said, “I am really excited to be back in the TPL. The league is getting stronger every year, and I really enjoy the team environment and the energy this format brings. This year, the competition will be extremely intense, with a great mix of experienced players and young Indian talent. Hyderabad has always had a strong connection with tennis, so I am sure the atmosphere here will make it even more special. I am excited to compete, enjoy the experience and get back on court.”

Argentina’s Roman Burruchaga will represent Kolkata Thunder Blades. The 24-year-old is currently ranked No. 60 in the world and reached a career-high ranking of No. 56 this year. A regular presence on the ATP Tour, Burruchaga will be one of the players to watch closely this season.

Australia’s Rinky Hijikata will be the marquee player for Rajasthan Rangers. Hijikata won the men’s doubles title at the 2023 Australian Open. He also reached the men’s doubles final at Wimbledon in 2025 and has achieved a career-high doubles ranking of No. 23. Currently ranked No. 82 in singles, Hijikata’s singles experience and Grand Slam doubles success will be valuable assets for the Rajasthan Rangers.

Hijikata said, “I am very excited to be part of the Rajasthan Rangers and to make my debut in the KIA TPL this season. The 25-point format makes the league incredibly exciting, and I am looking forward to experiencing the energy in Hyderabad.”

France’s Terence Atmane, known as “The Magician”, will lead Mumbai Royals. The 24-year-old reached a career-high world ranking of No. 41 this year.

Lucknow Blazers have retained Czech Republic’s Dalibor Svrcina as their marquee player for a second consecutive season. Svrcina has achieved a career-high singles ranking of No. 86.

Croatia’s Dino Prizmic will be the marquee player for Hyderabad Strikers. A former junior world No. 1 and the 2023 Roland-Garros boys’ singles champion, Prizmic reached a career-high ranking of No. 70 this year.

Defending champions GS Delhi Aces will be represented by Australia’s Adam Walton. Walton has achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 74 and brings extensive experience from the ATP Tour and Grand Slam competitions.

France’s Alexandre Muller will represent Gujarat Panthers for a second consecutive season. At 29, Muller is one of the most experienced players in the line-up and has achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 38.

The eighth season of the KIA Tennis Premier League will be held from December 8 to 13 at the LB Tennis Stadium in Hyderabad. Matches will begin daily at 4:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on JioHotstar.

The league will continue with its fast-paced 25-point team format, featuring men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar