Just two days into Season 7 of the Tennis Premier League (TPL) powered by Clear Premium Water, the tournament is already earning powerful endorsements from players across generations and continents.
What began as an ambitious domestic league has now evolved into a globally recognised tennis property and this year’s early reactions from international stars underline how far it has come.
Among those offering high praise is Damir Dzumhur, the former World No. 23 from Bosnia and Herzegovina, now turning out for the Yash Mumbai Eagles. At 33, Dzumhur brings decades of elite experience, having competed against the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and graced some of tennis’ biggest stages. Yet even for someone accustomed to the grandeur of the ATP Tour, TPL has stood out for its distinctive structure, strong organisation and refreshingly team-driven environment.
Dzumhur revealed that the league’s reputation had reached him long before he set foot in India.
“I had spoken to a couple of international players that played TPL in the past and a lot of them told me the management is very good and it’s very fun being inside the team,” he said. “I myself have played Davis Cup for my country for 15 years, so I really enjoy working together as a team.”
That emphasis on camaraderie has long been one of TPL’s strongest selling points offering players a rare chance to step away from tennis’ traditionally individualistic setting. But for Dzumhur, the real brilliance of the event lies in its format.
“I like how it works with only 25 points a match,” he explained. “This is incredible for someone who wants to start watching tennis because Grand Slam matches can go for four to five hours and not everyone enjoys that. Here it’s shorter, there is always movement, there is always something happening. It’s a lot of fun for people watching.”
The point-based format, rapid match cycles and constant rotation between top players and emerging youngsters have made the league uniquely spectator-friendly something broadcasters and teams have heavily leaned into this season. For Dzumhur, the quality of the playing environment has matched the format’s innovation.
“The surface is very nice, the weather is great. Everything we have here to practice and play is really good,” he said, adding with a smile, “I’m definitely up to do it again in future years.”
While Dzumhur represents the seasoned end of the international spectrum, TPL has also drawn the attention of rising global talent. Dalibor Svrcina, the 23-year-old Czech player who recently cracked the world’s top 100, is experiencing the league for the first time. Representing the Chennai Smashers, Svrcina echoed many of the sentiments shared by his more experienced counterpart, reinforcing the league’s cross-generational appeal.
“It’s been really good so far,” he said. “The facilities, hotel and the organisers are good. We feel very welcomed here. As a team we are in the positive numbers. My goal now is to help my team reach the semi-finals.”
For young players like Svrcina, TPL offers something that traditional ATP events rarely do an energetic format built for speed, unpredictability and fan engagement.
“It’s a very different format, very fast, very fun and entertaining,” he said. “You see different good players back-to-back so it keeps everything fresh. It’s nice even for the fans.”
But beyond tennis, Svrcina has embraced his first competitive experience in India with genuine enthusiasm.
“India is a special country, I love it here,” he said. “I would recommend other international players to come and participate ahead, especially those who are looking for a refreshing change in their careers.”
The dual endorsements from Dzumhur and Svrcina two players at opposite stages of their careers speak volumes about the evolution of the Tennis Premier League. What was once an emerging Indian tennis initiative has become a platform capable of attracting both established names and ascendant global prospects. The league’s hospitality, professionalism and innovative match structure have created an environment that resonates with players seeking something fresh, dynamic and team-centred.
As Season 7 continues in Ahmedabad, the league’s rising international credibility is now backed not merely by promotional material but by the candid voices of those competing in it. Players are not only embracing the TPL experience they are advocating for it.
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With the blend of high-octane matches, diverse global participation and strong organisational footing, TPL stands at a promising juncture. If the first two days of the season are an indicator, the Tennis Premier League is steadily carving out its identity as one of the sport’s most exciting, player-friendly and globally relevant formats.
And judging by the reactions from its newest ambassadors, the world of tennis is beginning to take notice.
