Dubai: Grand Slam champion and world No. 9 Marin Cilic’s decision to play in the inaugural season of the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) was influenced by a simple thought.

“For me, a big part of the decision came because in the countries where we’ll play, people can’t see players too often. It’s a really nice opportunity to interact with them and try to play in cities I have never played in before,” says the 26-year-old Croatian star.

Together with the likes of world famous teammates Novak Djokovic, Eugenie Bouchard, Caroline Wozniacki and Goran Ivanisevic, Cilic will be playing for the Dubai-based UAE Royals, visiting countries like India, the Philippines and Singapore to play in the professional team tennis competition from November 28 to December 13.

Cilic added: “It is a different format compared to what we are used to on the Tour. Also, team atmosphere is very different compared to when you play your individual tournaments. I believe the IPTL will also be interesting to follow and play because of the many great players playing.”

First time features such as timeouts, power points, shoot-outs, a running shot clock and live in-game entertainment will be an essential part of all IPTL matches. And Cilic feels the games will be interesting and quicker compared to what’s seen during the year, bringing more excitement to the court. “It will be fun for sure,” he said.

Cilic thinks tennis fans in the UAE are in for a real treat. “This team will be difficult to beat”, he said. “It’s a big pleasure to be on the same team with these big names of our sport. With Novak playing, [Nenad] Zimonjic in doubles, Goran for legends, who is one of the best on the Legends Tour, Wozniacki and Bouchard, who are among the best in the world, [Malek] Jaziri, who is a very dangerous player, and I — hopefully we can win the IPTL this year and make our fans proud.”

“We’ll see how fans like it, but I believe it [IPTL] could bring change to the tennis world.

“My game plan is the same as always. To play my game and to try to win every match I am playing. Hopefully, my team is going to play well and we come in position to win the IPTL.”

Having enjoyed a superb year, the right-hander has compiled a career-best campaign in 2014. “When I am in Asia, I always have good experiences and I always feel welcome,” he said. “Asian fans are very faithful and I appreciate that a lot. The IPTL is surely going to be one of the best experiences in my life. I’m really excited to play in these cities and to experience big crowds over there.”