IPTL set to return to Manila later this year

From L-R: Chris Quimpo (SMART Sports Marketing), Gary Dujali (PLDT VP and HOME Marketing head)
Edgar Tejerero (SM Lifestyle Entertainment President), Abishek Ponia (IPTL VP for Operations)
Jean Henri Lhullier, Kevin Belmonte, and Haresh Hiranand (Philippine Mavericks co-owners)

The Mavericks are seeking to be better in the second iteration of the International Premier Tennis League.

Known last year as the Manila Mavericks, they rebranded themselves as the Philippine Mavericks to be consistent with the other teams (UAE Royals, Singapore Slammers, Indian Aces, and the newly-established Japan Warriors) who are national in scope, according to tennis patron Jean Henri Lhullier.

Lhullier co-owns the team, alongside Kevin Belmonte, Haresh Hiranand, and SM's Hans Sy.

The squad will have some changes from last year's edition, with just three holdovers in Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Mark Philippousis, and Treat Huey. Leading the cast of newcomers are women's world number 1 Serena Williams, Richard Gasquet, Sabine Lisicki, Jarmila Gajdosova and Borna Coric.

The Mall of Asia Arena served as the host for the inaugural leg of the first IPTL season last year, with the venue virtually sold out for all three days in late November.

Fans were intrigued with the league's novel concepts not seen in conventional tournaments, as well as the presence of well-known tennis stars and legends.

The same venue will host the 2015 edition. This time, it would cap off the season, serving as the final leg on December 6-8 after it kicks off in September. Tickets for the Manila leg will be available starting July 15.

PLDT HOME Fibr will once again serve as a presenter for the IPTL Manila leg, alongside sister company SMART Communications, in a move the highlights the desire to bring only the best (in this case, world class sporting events and entertainment) for Filipinos.

PLDT VP and HOME Marketing Head Gary Dujali expressed pride, noting that "Last year was a great experience for everybody, seeing the best tennis athletes in the world in one venue playing right before your eyes is indeed a spectacle."