Tomas Berdych has confirmed that he will take part in the new International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) amid reports that world No.1 Rafael Nadal will earn $1 million per night for competing in the December Asian team series.
“It’s a very big and ambitious plan, it’s a good idea,” said the sixth-ranked Berdych at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Wednesday.
“It (is) something that can make our sport even more attractive and brings something extra to the players and all the people and all the fans around the world.
“I’m looking forward to it. I’d be really glad to become the part of it. I like the new things, I like new ideas. So why not?”
Berdych said he has signed a contract with the organisation headed by Indian doubles veteran Mahesh Bhupathi.
“I took the time to think about it and, really, `what’s going to be the positive for me, what’s going to be the negative, how long it’s going to take my time and
everything.’
“I decided that I will commit to it.”
The IPTL will hold its first player draft on Sunday in Dubai, a day after the this week’s ATP event ends.
Media reports indicate that while Nadal is an eager participant in the off-season pay bonanza, Roger Federer is keeping his distance and is not tempted by what for anyone but him would be massive pay day.
The Daily Telegraph newspaper reports that Andy Murray, wary of over-extending himself after his autumn back surgery, may opt to play on a one-night-stand basis for what might be a “reduced” payment.
The IPTL concept is complicated by categories comprising current players, legends and icons, likely meaning former greats.
The inaugural IPTL season is due to run from November 28 to December 20, with home-and-away ties between teams in the franchise cities of Singapore, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and one to be named later in the Gulf.
Teams will be limited by a total salary cap of $10 million for six to a maximum of 10 players.
By contrast, Federer made an estimated $14 million for a week or so of South American exhibitions in December 2012, but regretted the toll the exercise took on his disappointing 2013 season.
