Day 4 of the Tennis Premier League (TPL) Season 7, powered by Clear Premium Water and supported by official equipment partner Yonex Sunrise, offered fans more than just high-intensity on-court action.
It delivered a moment of deep nostalgia as Indian tennis legends Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi were spotted together “on court” at the Gujarat University Tennis Stadium in Ahmedabad, rekindling memories of one of the most iconic partnerships in the history of the sport.
While the two former World No.1 doubles players were not competing with racquets in hand, their presence alone was enough to stir emotions among fans and players alike. Paes was in attendance as the Brand Ambassador of the GS Delhi Aces, while Bhupathi supported SG Pipers Bengaluru, a franchise owned by SG Sports, where he currently serves as Chief Executive Officer. Their appearance on the charcoal-grey court during the fourth day of competition added a symbolic layer to the league’s vision of blending legacy with the future of Indian tennis.
Together, Paes and Bhupathi won three Grand Slam men’s doubles titles and dominated the global circuit at the turn of the millennium, forming a partnership that placed Indian tennis firmly on the world map. Their reunion at TPL Season 7 was a reminder of the enduring impact of that era and their continued involvement in shaping the sport’s ecosystem in India.
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Speaking on the sidelines, Paes expressed his delight at being part of the league in Ahmedabad. He praised the conditions and the growing scale of the Tennis Premier League, describing its expansion as a key step in popularising tennis across the country. According to Paes, leagues such as TPL represent a long-cherished dream of taking tennis beyond traditional centres and making it more accessible to young players and fans.
Paes also acknowledged the collective effort behind the league’s success, crediting figures such as Sania Mirza, Rohan Bopanna and Mahesh Bhupathi for lending their support and credibility. He highlighted the diversity of participants at TPL, where juniors compete alongside seasoned professionals, men and women share the same stage, and international players add global flavour. For Paes, this coming together of the entire tennis fraternity is what makes the league truly special.
On the court, the day featured a closely contested tie between SG Pipers Bengaluru and GS Delhi Aces, with the Pipers edging past the Aces 51–49 in the third match of the day. Reflecting on the evening’s fixtures, Paes spoke about the friendly yet competitive rivalries that have become a hallmark of the league. With teams backed by former champions and current administrators, the matches carry narratives that extend well beyond the scoreboard, reinforcing sport’s ability to unite people across generations.
Despite the narrow defeat, the GS Delhi Aces continued to hold their position at the top of the points table with 211 points. Paes, while acknowledging his bias as the team’s Brand Ambassador, praised the competitive balance of the season and pointed to the league’s unique format as a major attraction. With every game contributing to the overall team score, momentum can shift quickly, keeping fans engaged deep into the tournament.
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Beyond results, Paes reflected on his evolving role within Indian tennis. After a career spanning four decades, 18 Grand Slam titles and seven Olympic appearances, he now finds motivation in mentoring young players and contributing to platforms that provide them with opportunities to earn, compete and grow. For Paes, leagues like TPL are not just entertainment products but development pathways that expose Indian talent to high-pressure situations and world-class competition.
He also underlined the league’s consistency and ambition, noting that TPL is now in its seventh consecutive season. That continuity, Paes believes, lays the foundation for future expansion. He spoke about the potential to take the league to international venues such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Singapore, attracting larger sponsors and broader visibility for Indian tennis.
Yet, for all the global aspirations, Paes emphasised the importance of keeping the league rooted in India. Having previously staged seasons in Mumbai and Pune, TPL’s move to Ahmedabad aligns with its goal of reaching new audiences. For Paes, taking the sport to different cities and inspiring young fans across the country remains the league’s most meaningful achievement.
As TPL Season 7 progresses, the sight of Paes and Bhupathi together serves as a powerful symbol of continuity in Indian tennis. Their presence bridges past glory with present innovation, reinforcing the league’s role as both a celebration of legacy and a platform for the next generation.
