Kia Tennis Premier League Season 8 Auction set to be held on October 12 in Mumbai
Mumbai, October 6, 2026: From Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna to International stars like Roman Burruchaga and Rinky Hijikata, the Kia Tennis Premier League (TPL) has announced the marquee players who will represent each of its eight franchises in the eighth season, ahead of the much-awaited player auction on October 12 at the Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai. The eight franchises - Mumbai Royals, Rajasthan Rangers, Gurgaon Grand Slammers, Kolkata Thunder Blades, Lucknow Blazers, Hyderabad Strikers, Gujarat Panthers and GS Delhi Aces - will look to build their respective squads around their marquee players at the auction.
Rohan Bopanna, representing the Gurgaon Grand Slammers, will lead the marquee line-up. The 46-year-old Indian is a former World No.
1 in men's doubles and a two-time Grand Slam champion, having won the 2017 French Open mixed doubles title and the 2024 Australian Open men's doubles title. One of the most accomplished players in Indian tennis history, winner of the Padma Shri and Arjuna Award, Bopanna will bring his wealth of experience to yet another season.
Rohan Bopanna added, "I'm really looking forward to being back at Kia TPL. 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. Hyderabad has always had a strong connection with tennis, so I'm sure the atmosphere will make it even more special.
I'm excited to compete, enjoy the experience and be back on court." Argentina's Roman Burruchaga, representing the Kolkata Thunder Blades, will be the current highest-ranked singles player among the international marquee contingent. The 24-year-old is currently ranked World No.
60 and also achieved his career-high ranking of World No. Burruchaga has established himself as a regular presence on the ATP Tour and will be one to watch out for in the Kia TPL this season.
Australian Rinky Hijikata, who will represent the Rajasthan Rangers, has already tasted Grand Slam success, winning the 2023 Australian Open Men's Doubles title. He also reached the 2025 Wimbledon Men's Doubles final and achieved a career-high doubles ranking of World No.
82 in singles, Hijikata's combination of singles experience and Grand Slam doubles pedigree will be a valuable asset to the Rajasthan Rangers' campaign.