Ahmedabad: The Tennis Premier League (TPL) Season 7 kicked off with great significance, as Indian tennis icons Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna came together on court for an unforgettable exhibition match on the opening day at the Gujarat University Tennis Stadium.
Marking her long-awaited return to the city after nearly 29 years, Sania Mirza—Brand Ambassador of the Gurgaon Grand Slammers—was greeted with an enthusiastic reception from a full stadium, highlighting the rising popularity of tennis in India. In the mixed doubles exhibition, Sania partnered with Dan Evans to triumph over Rohan Bopanna and Shrivalli Bhamidipaty from SG Pipers Bengaluru, securing a victory with a score of 10–6.
Reflecting on the occasion, Mirza expressed her joy at witnessing a full stadium in a city she last played in as an under-14 athlete. She praised TPL’s role in nurturing young talent and bringing world-class tennis to new regions of the country.
Rohan Bopanna echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the league’s impact in creating meaningful exposure for emerging Indian players while strengthening the sport’s grassroots presence. The exhibition match set the tone for an exciting Season 7, featuring eight franchises competing for the coveted title, as TPL continues to expand its footprint and elevate professional tennis across India.