Bopanna, Burruchaga lead star-studded TPL Season 8 line-up

Indian tennis veteran Rohan Bopanna will headline a strong international line-up for the eighth season of the Tennis Premier League (TPL), with Argentina’s Roman Burruchaga, Australia’s Rinky Hijikata and France’s Terence Atmane among the marquee names announced ahead of the player auction.

The TPL player auction will be held in Mumbai on October 12, with all eight franchises set to build their squads around their respective marquee players. The tournament will be played in Hyderabad from December 8 to 13.

Bopanna, who will represent the Gurgaon Grand Slammers, brings considerable experience to the league. The 46-year-old former World No. 1 in men’s doubles is a two-time Grand Slam champion, having won the mixed doubles title at the 2017 French Open and the men’s doubles crown at the 2024 Australian Open.

A recipient of the Padma Shri and Arjuna Award, Bopanna said he was looking forward to returning to the TPL and competing in its fast-paced team format.

“I’m really looking forward to being back at TPL. Every year, the league gets stronger, and I love the team environment and energy the format brings,” Bopanna said.

He added that the mix of experienced players and emerging Indian talent would make this season particularly competitive.

Argentina’s Roman Burruchaga will turn out for the Kolkata Thunder Blades and enters the league as the highest-ranked singles player among the international marquee players. The 24-year-old is currently ranked World No. 60, having achieved a career-best ranking of 56 earlier this year.

Australian Rinky Hijikata will make his TPL debut with the Rajasthan Rangers. The 25-year-old is a Grand Slam doubles champion, having won the 2023 Australian Open men’s doubles title, and was a finalist at the 2025 Wimbledon men’s doubles event. He has reached a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 23 and is currently ranked 82 in singles.

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

Mumbai Royals will be led by Frenchman Terence Atmane, nicknamed ‘The Magician’. The 24-year-old reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 41 earlier this year and will add further firepower to the Mumbai side.

Czech player Dalibor Svrcina will return for a second consecutive season with the Lucknow Blazers. The 23-year-old has achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 86.

Hyderabad Strikers have secured the services of Croatia’s Dino Prizmic. The 21-year-old former junior World No. 1 won the 2023 Roland Garros boys’ singles title and climbed to a career-high senior ranking of World No. 70 this year.

Defending champions GS Delhi Aces will be represented by Australia’s Adam Walton. The Australian has reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 74 and brings experience of competing on the ATP Tour and at Grand Slam tournaments.

Completing the marquee line-up is France’s Alexandre Muller, who will again represent the Gujarat Panthers. The 29-year-old is among the most experienced players in the field and has attained a career-high singles ranking of World No. 38.

The eight franchises — Mumbai Royals, Rajasthan Rangers, Gurgaon Grand Slammers, Kolkata Thunder Blades, Lucknow Blazers, Hyderabad Strikers, Gujarat Panthers and GS Delhi Aces — will compete for the Season 8 title at the LB Tennis Stadium in Hyderabad from December 8 to 13.

The tournament will retain its distinctive team-based format, combining men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles. Each match will be played in the league’s quick 25-point format, designed to keep the contests short and high-intensity.

With Grand Slam champions, established ATP players and promising young talent featuring across the eight teams, Season 8 is expected to offer a blend of experience and emerging talent as the TPL continues to expand its appeal among Indian tennis fans.

Matches will begin at 4:30 p.m. onwards and will be streamed live on JioHotstar.