Rohan Bopanna named marquee for Gurgaon Grand Slammers as TPL auction approaches
Former world No. 1 Rohan Bopanna and 2023 Australian Open men's doubles winner Rinky Hijikata were revealed as marquee players for teams in the Tennis Premier League on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, ahead of the player auction on October 12 in Mumbai. Bopanna will represent the Gurgaon Grand Slammers.
Commenting on his inclusion, Bopanna said, "Every year, the league gets stronger, and I love the team environment and energy the format brings. This year, the competition will be very high, with a great mix of experienced players and young Indian talent." Hijikata was also named among the marquee signings for this season.
Argentina's world No. 60 Roman Burruchaga, representing the Kolkata Thunder Blades, will be the highest-ranked singles player in the league. Frenchman Terence Atmane, nicknamed "The Magician", has been announced as the marquee for the Mumbai Royals.
Hijikata will represent the Rajasthan Rangers; she is the 2023 Australian Open men's doubles winner, reached the 2025 Wimbledon men's doubles final and achieved a career-high doubles ranking of world No. 23. On her selection she said, "I'm really excited to be part of the Rajasthan Rangers and make my Kia TPL debut this season. The 25-point format makes the league very exciting, and I’m looking forward to experience the energy in Hyderabad."
The Lucknow Blazers will be represented by Czechia’s Dalibor Svrcina, who returns for a second consecutive season with the same team. Croatia's Dino Prizmic will be the marquee player for the Hyderabad Strikers; a former junior world No. 1 and the 2023 Roland Garros boys’ singles champion, the 21-year-old reached a career-high ranking of world No. 70 this year.
Representing the defending champions, GS Delhi Aces, will be Australian Adam Walton, who has achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 74 and brings extensive ATP Tour and Grand Slam experience to the Delhi team. Completing the eight-player marquee line-up will be Frenchman Alexandre Muller, who will represent the Gujarat Panthers once again this season; the 29-year-old has achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 38.
Matches during the TPL Season 8 will be held from December 8-13, and the season will continue the league's team-based format, combining men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles and mixed doubles in a fast-paced, 25-point-per-match format. The player auction is scheduled for October 12 in Mumbai.
