In just one week, Filipino fans will experience a tennis extravaganza organized by the International Premier Tennis League like no other. The 3-day match schedule of tennis superstars featuring Sharapova, Williams, and Murray is the first leg of a rule breaking tennis spectacle celebrating the comeback of international tennis in the Philippines.
With DJ Irie playing indoors and in between sets, and with an outdoor festival featuring bands such as Taken by Cars and Razorback, DJ’s such as DJ Ron Poe and the Zombettes, and international supermodel Sophie Sumner, the three-day tennis festival on November 28-30 at the Mall of Asia Arena will surely leave fans breathless.
The Manila Mavericks
A balanced team featuring current, past and upcoming tennis stars, the Manila Mavericks are embodied by seasoned and seeded tennis stars: 32 WTA Singles title holder and darling of the press Maria Sharapova, current holder of the Wimbledon Championship title Andy Murray, 11 ATP World Tour Singles title holder Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, tennis legend Carlos Moya, 85 Men’s Double title holder Daniel Nestor, Belgium’s 2013 Sportswoman of the Year Kirsten Flipkens, and Pinoy pride Treat Huey. The Manila Mavericks will represent the Philippines in 24 matches across the Philippines, India, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
The Rivals
Other tennis stars to set foot in the Philippines for the International Premier Tennis League are: Four-time Olympic Gold Medallist Serena Williams, Nick Kyrgios, Daniela Hantuchova, Tomas Berdych, and Patrick Rafter as part of the Singapore Slammers; 14-time Singles winner Ana Ivanovic, Fabrice Santoro, Gael Monfils for the Indian Aces; and Current US Open Champion Marin Cilic, Eugenie Bouchard, Richard Gasquet, Goran Ivanisevic for the UAE Royals.
DJ Irie
Playing in between sets of the IPTL, DJ Irie who gained his claim to fame as the Miami Heats DJ, will keep what is already an exciting event, even more electrifying. "I'm so honored to be a part of the first ever International Premier Tennis League with some of the world's top athletes in the sport. I am also looking forward to bringing a type of energy and entertainment to the court that most people have never experienced before," say DJ Irie.
The Outdoor Festival
Topping off a magnitude of events inside the bowl of Mall of Asia Arena, tennis patrons and potential fans alike are all invited to join the three-day celebration happening at the Pacific way area, right outside the venue. Open from 12 Noon to 12 Midnight, the festival will feature daily activities in the day such as fire dance performances, fitness challenges, and fun games. On the 28th, DJ Gandhi and DJ Ron Poe take the stage with ledge dancers and flash mobs. Event highlights on the 29th feature famous Pinoy bands and singers such as Razorback, Paolo Valenciano, She’s only Sixteen, Taken by Cars, Kjwan, Quest, Blue Jean Junkies, and Kat Agarrado of “Sino Sikat?”. The 30th is jam-packed with music by the Zombettes, Reese and Vita, Julianne, Malay and a special appearance by America’s Next Top Model Sophie Sumner. The highlight of this three-day outdoor festival, however, is the chance to mingle and see their favourite tennis player in the flesh during the festival. Entitled, #Smashitup, admission is absolutely FREE!
With a lavish menu of tennis icons coming to the Philippines and a wide array of events and activities during outdoor festival known as #SmashItUpMnl, the International Premier Tennis League will end the month of November with a bang.
