Horrible news for the IPTL after three heavy weights will not play in this year’s edition. It has been recently announced that Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Genie Bouchard will not play the league and apparently, this is not because of injuries, but for organizational problems.
The league had to deal with several blows this year. First, they had to cancel the participation of the team from the Philippines citing political problems (???); then, they had to deal with the lack of interest of many stars that led to some rumors that the IPTL would have been canceled in 2016. Eventually, the rumors ceased following the confirmation of the participation of Serena Williams and Roger Federer, but eventually also the American and the Swiss decided not to play for these “organizational problems.” Genie Bouchard has also decided not to play.
From Roger Federer’s agent
Tony Godsick, Roger’s agent said that the Swiss will not lay in the league because of “some problems and uncertainties surrounding the IPTL”. He added that Federer “hopes to play in future years if the IPTL continues”.
Is there any future for the league?
IPTL Official Statement on Serena Williams and Roger Federer: https://t.co/6pwjN5zOD3 pic.twitter.com/7Ii6svDC1T
— IPTL (@iptl) December 6, 2016
Well, this is awkward: IPTL admits that previously announced Serena and Federer appearances won’t happen, due to lack of cash: pic.twitter.com/jbSfyLQ91m
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) December 6, 2016
so both Federer and Serena are not playing in the IPTL after all.. this yr’s IPTL has the weakest star power
— Eric Teo (@B1ueflik) December 6, 2016
Might be a good idea for @iptl to just be based out of Dubai to draw interest from the big stars and some money#Federer #Serena drop out
— Anand Datla (@SportaSmile) December 6, 2016
serena, bouchard, and roger have all pulled out of IPTL this year pic.twitter.com/sQ0qTq7U1T
— aidan 🙂 (@AnasVisor) December 6, 2016
Federer and Serena Williams no longer playing IPTL this year. Not player decisions. Financial issues https://t.co/9iraTGDR3B
— DavidLaw (@DavidLawTennis) December 5, 2016
So Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Genie Bouchard all withdrew most probably because of the financial problems of the IPTL.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) December 5, 2016
Both Serena and Federer out of IPTL for logistical and/or financial reasons https://t.co/7KcsG9fpPs
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) December 5, 2016
Wow. Federer and Serena pulling out from the IPTL in the same day. I wouldn’t like to be Bhupathi atm.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) December 5, 2016
Wait Serena AND Fed are out of IPTL now? https://t.co/APSiZJY3Fv
— Tony (@tjc05) December 5, 2016
Serena Williams’ Absence Deals Another Blow To The Troubled IPTL https://t.co/BFlEgFj3M0 pic.twitter.com/CgFg5EngPE
— Ubaldo Scanagatta (@Ubitennis) December 5, 2016
Did anyone seriously think Serena would really play IPTL?
— Stroppa Del (@stroppadel) December 5, 2016
Wow. Serena Williams withdraws form the IPTL. Kiki Bertens should now play the full season for the Singapore Slammers.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) December 5, 2016
Serena Williams will not play IPTL, joining Bouchard as no-show despite prior announcement.
— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) December 5, 2016
Is something shocking about to happen to the ITPL?
 |
| BYE BYE |
