From December 19th until 24th some of the best ATP and WTA players in the world will compete at the 2022 World Tennis League in Dubai.
The World Tennis League is a new event that will be played at the Coca Cola Arena in Dubai and during 6 days it promises 16 world class players and 6 performers. Tiësto and Armin Van Buren should take care of the opening and closing ceremony but the entry list of ATP & WTA players that enrolled looks even more interesting.
16 players will be split into 4 teams with 4 players (2 male and 2 female) each. The teams already have their own logo and their names will be The Falcons, The Hawks, The Kites and The Eagles.
The 2022 World Tennis League should be played in a similar style to the Laver Cup, with two sets being played and a match tie-break in case of a tied score. The event should feature both singles and also mixed doubles matches and so there are also some similarities with the Hopman Cup.
Rajesh Banga, Chairman of World Tennis League, said: “The World Tennis League will be an event like no other. It brings a unique and engaging new format to the game of tennis, offering a spectacular mix of sport and entertainment together. We can’t wait to welcome fans from around the globe for this momentous event that hails a new era for tennis.”
All 16 players that will compete are already known and there will be plenty of Grand Slam champions. 21-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic will play with 2020 US Open champion, Dominic Thiem and runner-up from the same year, Alexander Zverev also on the entry list.
“This new event is exciting, there’s no doubt about it,” said Djokovic. "I absolutely love playing in Dubai, I’ve had a lot of success there over the years and really enjoy the fans. This is something different, and it’s going to be great being a part of it.”
This year's Wimbledon finalist, Nick Kyrgios will also play and he will be joined by likes of Felix Auger-Aliassime, Grigor Dimitrov, Gael Monfils and doubles specialist, Rohan Bopanna.
There will be also plenty of players with Grand Slam experience also on the women's side. Three-time Grand Slam champion and world number 1, Iga Swiatek headlines the list. She is joined by two-time major winner Simona Halep, 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu and this year's Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina.
“I like it most when tennis connects people and when it's true entertainment," said Swiatek. "When it's combined with a great show and music, it's even better, so that's the reason why I'm excited to join this year's World Tennis League. I'm happy that together with other top players we'll introduce tennis as fun to new audiences. I can't wait!”
The 2022 World Tennis League will be also attended by three former world no. 2s Aryna Sabalenka, Paula Badosa and Anett Kontaveit. Former doubles world no. 1 and three-time doubles Grand Slam champion, Sania Mirza is the last player on the entry list.
On November 1st a draw will be held that will split all 16 players into four teams and so the players will have more than 6 weeks to get used to their teammates ahead of the inaugural World Tennis League event.
2022 World Tennis League ATP & WTA Entry List:
| Men | Women |
| Novak Djokovic | Iga Swiatek |
| Alexander Zverev | Aryna Sabalenka |
| Nick Kyrgios | Simona Halep |
| Dominic Thiem | Elena Rybakina |
| Felix Auger-Aliassime | Paula Badosa |
| Grigor Dimitrov | Bianca Andreescu |
| Gael Monfils | Anett Kontaveit |
| Rohan Bopanna | Sania Mirza |
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