The World Tennis League wrapped up this past week with a fresh twist that set it apart from previous editions. With an intriguing player roster and a brand-new location, here’s what stood out from this year’s tournament.

1. Bengaluru Delivered Where Abu Dhabi Couldn’t

After three editions in the United Arab Emirates, the 2025 World Tennis League packed its bags for India, landing at Bengaluru’s SM Krishna Tennis Stadium. While the event had switched venues once before within Abu Dhabi, this marked its first real departure from Middle Eastern soil.

The move paid off in at least one crucial way: the stands were buzzing. Night after night, packed crowds filled the stadium, a somewhat stark contrast to the spotty attendance that plagued the Abu Dhabi editions. For all the polish and premium feel that Middle Eastern events bring to the table, they often struggle to fill seats. That wasn’t an issue here. Having half the field comprised of Indian players certainly didn’t hurt, either.

2. Indian Tennis Got Its Moment

Tennis has deep roots in India, and while the country has hosted events for decades, it’s rarely been a focal point for the global tennis community. This week changed that narrative. With sixteen Indian players competing, the home crowd had plenty of reasons to show up, and show up they did.

It was a golden opportunity to shine a spotlight on an emerging market with genuine passion for the sport. India has produced compelling players over the years, and this event reminded everyone why that matters. After all, how often do you see a 25-year-old ranked outside the Top 500 take down Daniil Medvedev? Moments like that are what tennis needs.

3. The Trade-Off: A Diluted Field

Here’s the flip side: including sixteen Indian players meant the overall talent pool took a hit compared to previous years. Don’t get me wrong, many of these players are skilled competitors. But let’s be honest: most aren’t names you’d see battling it out on the ATP or WTA tours week after week.

This was intentional, of course, but it does mean the field lacked some of the star power fans might expect. That said, the event still featured legitimate names: Gael Monfils, Daniil Medvedev, Denis Shapovalov, Nick Kyrgios, Paula Badosa, Elina Svitolina, and the recently retired legend Rohan Bopanna, among others. For casual viewers, it might have felt slightly less competitive than past editions, but the marquee appeal was still there.

4. Don’t Read Too Much Into the Results

Exhibition events like this are tricky to analyze because, well, they’re exhibitions. Players approach them differently: looser, more experimental, less pressure. Medvedev, for instance, played with a noticeably relaxed attitude, losing every match except his encounter with Shapovalov.

So while results here shouldn’t be taken as gospel, there were flashes worth noting. Dhakshineswar Suresh, ranked 519th in the world, showed he can compete with elite players when given the chance. His ranking doesn’t reflect the level he’s capable of reaching, and performances like his hint at untapped potential.

5. Tennis is Back and That’s What Matters

Tennis doesn’t really stop, but there’s something special about watching your favorite players return to the court after a break. Gael Monfils kicked off what will be his final season on tour, a bittersweet moment for all. For longtime fans, it’s a farewell tour. For newcomers, it’s a last chance to witness one of the game’s most electrifying entertainers in action. He’s planning to play everywhere he can, giving fans around the world a proper send-off.

Beyond that, the new season is just around the corner, less than two weeks away. When it arrives in full force, it’ll be a treat. Bengaluru served as a solid warm-up act, reminding us all why we fell in love with this sport in the first place.

Main Photo Credit: World Tennis League marketing/Iconik Sports and Events

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