Roger Federer joins Indian Aces as Rafa Nadal withdraws from IPTL

Agencies

The Indian Aces, the New Delhi based International Premier Tennis League franchise, announced on Monday they would be led by Roger Federer.

Federer will effectively replace Rafael Nadal, who had earlier on Monday announced his withdrawal from the IPTL citing health concerns, as the marquee player for the India franchise.

Federer’s announced teammates with the Indian Aces include Pete Sampras, Gael Monfils, Rohan Bopanna, Fabrice Santoro, Sania Mirza and Ana Ivanovic.

According to a press release announcing the move, Federer said in a televised address: “I’m really looking forward to making my first trip to New Delhi and playing for the Indian Aces. My team tells me there are a lot of tennis fans and my supporters in the region.”

Veteran Indian player Mahesh Bhupathi, a founder of the IPTL, also said in the release: “As a tennis fan, I am excited to see Roger and Pete play for the same team, it’s unprecedented.

“I believe the time for innovation in tennis has come.”

Bhupathi had posted on Twitter earlier in the day that Nadal had withdrawn.

The IPTL later confirmed that the 28-year-old Spaniard wouldn’t be playing in the tournament.

“I am very dissapointed disappointed to announce that I will not be part of the first edition of the IPTL,” said Nadal in the same release.

“I was looking forward to representing Indian Aces and playing in front of fans in New Delhi.

“I wish the team the very best and hope to be back next year.”

Nadal withdrew from the US Open last month, citing a right wrist problem, and was unable to defend his title. He also recently missed Spain’s Davis Cup loss to Brazil.

The IPTL, a city-based team competition, is to be staged at venues in the UAE, Philippines, Singapore and India between November 28 and December 13.

The Dubai Royals have previously confirmed the likes of Novak Djokovic, Richard Gasquet, Caroline Wozniacki and Eugenie Bouchard for their team.

Additionally, players like Serena Williams, Nick Kyrgios and Tomas Berdych (Singapore) and Andy Murray, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Maria Sharapova (Manila) are slated to be involved.

Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do

Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.

“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”

Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.

Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.

“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”

For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.

“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”

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