ITV

Tag: Roger Federer

  • Star Sports successfully launches Picture in Picture ad format during Roland Garros

    MUMBAI: The date: 10 June 2021. The event: the first of the women’s semi-finals of the French Open between two debutantes Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Tamara Zidansek. The channel: Star Sports. The Russian seeded 31 in the world has just lost her first game to her competitor from Slovenia and the latter walks to her chair by the side of the court. 
     
    Tennis fans glued to their television at home are pleasantly surprised to see the appearance on their screens of two windows side by side – one showing Zidanesk as she wipes her racket off court, and the other a car commercial featuring world no 1 Novak Djokovic, followed by Rafael Nadal, and then Roger Federer, intercut with a Renault driving through water, ending with the auto maker’s logo and its association with the French Open telecast on Star Sports. Once, the TVC ends, the two windows give way to the match’s proceedings full screen. 
     

     

     

    Welcome to TV advertising innovation in 2021.  And this is one that India’s leading sports broadcaster Star Sports is especially proud of. Called Picture in Picture (PIP), it got a buy-in from car maker Renault India which was the presenting sponsor of the tournament’s telecast.   Put simply, PIP is a non-intrusive technique of playing an advertiser’s marketing commercial during live sports telecasts, when the ball is not in play. Despite not being a natural break, it provides unparalleled commercial stimulus during a live game.
     
    The marketers at Renault India not only took advantage of this first-time asset but they enthusiastically supported it as an extension of their own passion for creating experiences through technology, along with OMD India. Star Sports too pitched in and created a co-branded promo creative to showcase Renault’s brand and its association for a heightened visual treat.
     
    According to Renault India lead marketing communications Hardik Shah, the PIP option works very well for the brand. He was recently quoted in a publication as saying: “It helps break clutter, makes us stand out on live content, and builds association with the product (tennis), which usually is not offered in other premium sports. Though this is a classic advertising route, it puts across the message in a very subtle way without disturbing the audiences. If you have noticed, Renault India has not played a quintessential TVC in the PIP. Rather we chose to air an association promo that strengthens our relationship with Roland Garros and tennis as a sport overall through Star Sports.” The folks at Star Sports – like the druids of old – are constantly brewing up new potions in their AdTech labs in their endeavour to provide advertisers and agencies sticky ad solutions and give them further mileage for their spends on live sports.
     
    Yes, some may say PIP appears highly disruptive; its utilisation makes what many have considered a pipedream a reality: it makes an advertiser’s communication unmissable. It presents to them high-quality attention as viewers’ eyes are bound to stayed glued on the TV screen during the live telecast. To top it all, the team at Star Sports, along with the brand and the agency, works to co-create clutter-breaking custom creatives.

    SaysHavas Media CEO Mohit Joshi, a keen sports enthusiast: “We are brand custodians and we are constantly on the lookout for innovations in broadcast commercial advertising which would give us the comfort that spots and communications are indeed being watched by the multi-tasking TV viewer at home. Any innovation which enables this at a cost-effective price is welcome.”

    Agrees Indian Television Dot Com founder, CEO & editor in chief, Anil Wanvari who is an avid sports fan. “Overall, it’s a fantastic stickiness generating option that the Star Sports team has innovated. To some extent, TVCs have become a bit of a blind spot for viewers who have been locked at home for the past 16 months. Content and communications coming on a split screen together, will ensure that viewers don’t skip to another channel, and give a better guarantee that the advertiser’s money is well spent in terms of ROI.” 
     
    “Normally, I get irritated when I see commercials breaking up the play on the courts,” says 25-year-old Mumbai-based sports and automobile enthusiast Rohan Ghaneriwal. “I was watching the semi-final match between Nadal and Djokovic when there was this moment when both the court as well as a TVC was running simultaneously on screen. I was quite excited by it, as I wanted to know more about Renault’s car and watch the tennis court as well. I think more and more brands should take this route.”

    Indeed, Indian marketers and advertising agencies have a chance to fulfil Rohan’s wish and take advantage of this path breaking first time ad solution in the coming days. Star Sports has made PIP available to them and their brands for the mother of Grand Slams which starts on 28 June – the All England Lawn Tennis Championship at Wimbledon – and during the telecast of the next season of the Premier League. Both of course are premium tournaments and have a loyal cult following with fans swearing by the players vying for the title. 
     

  • DSport to broadcast Laver Cup from 21-23 September

    DSport to broadcast Laver Cup from 21-23 September

    MUMBAI: DSport will bring live action from the second edition of Laver Cup, a men’s tennis tournament between teams from Europe and the rest of the world to be held in Chicago from 21-23 September 2018.
    For the first time, tennis legends Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic will be seen on the same side of the net playing the doubles fixture for Team Europe. They will take on Jack Sock and Kevin Anderson in doubles at the United Center.
    The three-day tournament, a joint initiative between TEAM8, Tennis Australia, the USTA and Jorge Paulo Lemann, will witness a team of six of the best tennis players from Europe competing against six of their counterparts from the rest of the world. While Björn Borg is captain of team Europe, John McEnroe is leading team World.
    With a memorable first edition held at Prague last year, tennis enthusiasts across the world witnesses two of the greatest rivals in the history of the game Federer & Nadal, teaming up for a doubles partnership against Rest of the World.

  • Roger Federer shifts from Nike to Uniqlo

    Roger Federer shifts from Nike to Uniqlo

    MUMBAI: International tennis icon Roger Federer has ended his 20-year association with Nike. Federer has now become the brand ambassador of Japanese outfit company, Uniqlo.

    Neither Uniqlo, Federer or Nike had made any previous announcement about the deal and it was only during the Wimbledon match on Monday where he was seen without the Nike swoosh on his bandana and the RF logo on his jacket that the change was revealed.

    In a statement issued on Monday, Uniqlo CEO Tadashi Yanai said, “Our partnership will be about innovation on and off court.”

    Having Federer on board will boost Uniqlo’s global expansion plan, especially in Europe where the company is said to open new stores. The clothing company already has a strong presence in China, but may face challenge in markets where Zara, H&M and more are already established.

    The winner of 20 grand slam titles, Roger Federer will represent the brand at all tennis tournaments for a year. According to ESPN, the tennis champion will earn $300 million from the deal over a period of 10 years.

    In the past, Uniqlo endorsed 12-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic for a period of five years. Djokovic however moved away from the brand and signed Lacoste in 2017.

    Federer signed his first contract with Nike in 1994 and continues to wear Nike shoes, as Uniqlo doesn’t make athletic footwear.

  • Gareth Bale backs Virat Kohli’s social network startup Sport Convo

    Gareth Bale backs Virat Kohli’s social network startup Sport Convo

    MUMBAI: Virat Kohli smartly took the social media route to announce that Real Madrid star Walesman Gerath Bale has joined him to back the social network startup Sport Convo.

     

    Kohli tweeted, “I’ve just had an interesting convo.” This led to a flurry of messages from fans asking what was he talking about. And speculation was rife as to whom he had spoken to.

     

    After the buzz touched new heights, Kohli revealed to his fans (known as Viratians) the interesting conversation he had was in relation to someone special joining him in backing his business venture Sport Convo. He however did not reveal the name. Instead, he gave his fans a clue and interestingly attached a picture of a heart.

     

    Speculations were drawn that Anushka Sharma or the likes of Sachin Tendulkar might have joined him to back the social network startup Sport Convo. Then the Delhite started giving clues for his fans to guess. Clues were only accessible to fans who were signed into the platform. This initiative got many people to sign  

     

    After signing one could hear a voice saying, “Namaste it’s a pleasure to be backing Sport Convo. Looking forward to having a convo with you all soon,” in a foreign accent.

     

    That put an end to speculations surrounding Sharma and Tendulkar. AB Devilliers, Kevin Pieterson, Roger Federer, Cristiano Ronaldo were all among the names that were being thrown around on social media.

     

    One didn’t need to wait long for Kohli to reveal who it was. And to most fans it came as a real surprise. In fact, it was Real Madrid star Bale. It all makes sense now as his famous celebration is the heart.

     

    “Quite an interesting story really, I have been a fan of cricket for ages and started following Virat Kohli, we got talking over social and he mentioned this idea called Sport Convo that he was starting, he sent me more detail on it and I instantly really liked it,” said Bale.

     

    “Sport Convo was particularly attractive to me as my belief is sport benefits greatly from social media.It provides fans with the opportunity to showcase their opinions and passion for the game. Also allowing me to communicate with my fans quickly and efficiently, which is important as a professional cricketer I am always on the go. Sport Convo stood out for me and delivers all of this and beyond and that’s why I opted to back this business venture,” said Kohli.

     

    He further added, “As you may know I’m a Real Madrid fan and it’s good to be working with Gareth Bale now on Sport Convo. There is a lot of mutual respect between us and I’m glad to have him onboard.”

     

    Sport Convo CEO and co-founder Vishal Patel said, “Everyone involved in the business are sports fans. We have built and will continue to build a platform where sports fans can consume sport content and interact with content and fellow fans in a highly unique way. And we hope to become a place where all sports fans come to consume all things sport. We as a startup are extremely lucky to have two amazing backers. I can reveal at this stage we are now also in discussions with other personalities, both within the sport and in other industries… so watch this space.”

     

    On Facebook, Kohli put up a competition for two lucky winners to win an autographed cap from both Bale and himself. The winner will be announced within the Sport Convo platform on 29 December, 2015.

  • Andy Murray Returns for second season Double Grand Slam Champ Wawrinka makes IPTL Debut

    Andy Murray Returns for second season Double Grand Slam Champ Wawrinka makes IPTL Debut

     MUMBAI:  Two-time Grand Slam winners, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka have announced their participation in the second edition of the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) that kicks off today in Kobe, Japan and will run through to 20th December 2015 in Singapore.

     

    While Murray will be returning for the second season, Wawrinka will be making his debut in the five-nation tennis league, the only one of its kind in the world.

     

    Both Murray and Wawrinka will be playing for the OUE Singapore Slammers, along with fellow team-mates Nick Kyrgios, Belinda Bencic, Karolina Plíšková, Dustin Brown, Carlos Moya and Marcelo Melo.

     

    Novak Djokovic has chosen to withdraw from the second season. Djokovic played for the UAE Royals in the inaugural edition, and was drafted by the OUE Singapore Slammers for the second edition.

     

    On his non-participation, Novak Djokovic said, “I had a great experience in the inaugural edition of the IPTL and was eagerly looking forward to playing in the second season, especially in front of the home crowd in Singapore. It’s been a long year for meand my body needs some extra time to recover. I wish the team the very best and will join them next year.”

     

    Murray was part of the Manila Mavericks (re-christened ‘Philippine Mavericks’ in season two) in the inaugural edition and will be joining the OUE Singapore Slammers in the second season.

     

    Wawrinka and Murray join a formidable array of tennis superstars that include Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Kei Nishikori, Marin Cilic, Milos Raonic, Nick Kyrgios among others. Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova,Ana Ivanovic, Kristina Mladenovic, Sania Mirza are just some of the names leading the women’s charge in the league.

     

    “We are glad to announce the return of Andy Murray and the debut of Stan Wawrinka in the IPTL. Both Murray and Wawrinka will add immense strength to the Slammers, upping the quality of tennis on display. Fans across the world can look forward to some exciting match-ups,” said Mahesh Bhupathi on behalf of the IPTL.

     

     The innovative, team-based, multi-nation tennis league has expanded to five teams for its second edition, with the Japan Warriors joining last season’s champions Indian Aces, alongside the Obi UAE Royals, the Philippine Mavericks and the OUE Singapore Slammers in a five-city swing that starts today in Japan and ends at Singapore’s Indoor Stadium for the grand finale on 20thDecember. The finals of Coca-Cola IPTL 2015 will see the top two teams in the league standings face off to determine the champion,winning the coveted trophy and prize money of USD 1 million, with the runner-up getting USD 500,000.

  • Repucom predicts that IPTL will help boost tennis in Asia

    Repucom predicts that IPTL will help boost tennis in Asia

    MUMBAI: As the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) begins its Delhi leg today, sports marketing research company, Repucom, has predicted an upsurge in tennis fans across Asia and the Middle East.

    The line-up rivalling a grand slam, exemplifies the growth, popularity and market for tennis in Asia and the Middle East, says the study. Repucom´s Sports DNA study reveals that 11 per cent of people interviewed aged 16-69 in urban areas of India this year, stated that they were interested in tennis, constituting 29 million people, a significant figure when considering the status of cricket in the country.

    Singapore is by far the country with the highest proliferation of tennis fans amongst the four countries where the event is taking place, with 40 per cent of people interested in tennis, which equates to 1.78 million of the population, followed by 20 per cent of people said to be interested in tennis in the UAE, constituting approximately 7,40,000 people. 17.4 per cent of people interviewed in urban areas of the Philippines last year stated that they were interested in tennis, which results in 5.5 million of the population, claims the study.

    The IPTL player line-up includes tennis stars, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Andy Murray, Caroline Wozniacki, Ana Ivanovic, Indian starlet Sania Mirza, as well as tennis legends Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, who will all draw attention to the sport, leading to a further increase of interest in tennis, Repucom predicts.

    Repucom South Asia senior vice president and India director, Joseph Eapen, said: “The IPTL will be a big boost for tennis in Asia. People are more aware of the sport and Asia and the Middle East are investing a lot of money in developing world-class sports stadiums and grounds. Globosport, an existing Repucom client and organisers of the event, have done a tremendous job in securing the biggest stars in tennis and promoting the much anticipated event. In these regions that are highly passionate about sports, the IPTL will inspire people to watch and even play tennis.”

     

  • Coca-Cola teams up with IPTL as title sponsor

    Coca-Cola teams up with IPTL as title sponsor

    MUMBAI: The upcoming International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) has got a title sponsor in Coca-Cola.

     

    The brand which is associated with large sporting events ranging from the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, NASCAR, NBA etc is now making a foray into tennis through the tennis league.

     

    In its capacity as title sponsor, the cola company will undertake a series of initiatives to engage with tennis fans across the globe. These include a special promotion to select three lucky fans to be the ‘Coin Toss’ boys/girls for three matches.

     

    It will be adopting IPTL’s special competition feature called the Happiness PowerPoint, which will allow each team to call for a Happiness PowerPoint once in each single-set match. Upon winning the point, a player trailing 15-0 will directly get to 15-30 by winning the ‘Happiness PowerPoint’ and lose a point upon losing the Happiness PowerPoint. In case the score is tied at the end of five single-set matches, a seven point men’s singles shoot-out will be played and the result will count as a game point won.

     

    Coca-Cola India vice president marketing and commercial Debabrata Mukherjee said, “Our purpose of associating with the IPTL is twofold. On one hand, it will allow millions of passionate tennis fans to enjoy their favorite sport and also witness some of the world’s most iconic tennis stars display their skills. On the other hand this initiative will serve as a perfect platform to launch a ‘Culture of Tennis’ in India. The initiative will provide great impetus to the youngsters of today who will get inspired by some of the world’s most accomplished and inspirational tennis stars to take up the sport”.

     

    IPTL founder Mahesh Bhupathi commented, “I welcome Coca-Cola to the IPTL family today. We’re excited to present the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League to the growing base of tennis enthusiasts across the world and look forward to providing to them superior recognition and visibility among fans internationally.”

     

    In its inaugural season, the multi-million dollar tennis league will feature top stars such as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and others playing for four franchises in India, Singapore, Philippines and the UAE.

  • Micromax crowned owners of IPTL India franchise, Indian Aces

    Micromax crowned owners of IPTL India franchise, Indian Aces

    NEW DELHI:  Micromax has been named as the owner of the Indian franchise of the first Indian Premier Tennis League (IPTL). Named ‘Indian Aces’, the team will be lead by legendary player Roger Federer. Around 80 broadcasters have been confirmed around the world for reportage of the league.

     

    While a source informed indiantelevision.com that Star India was all set to cover the event in India, IPTL COO Eric M Gottschalk said that he had permission to name just one of the broadcasters which is the Abu Dhabi Sports Channel.

     

    Marquee player Roger Federer, 14-time Grand Slam Champion Pete Sampras and teammates Gael Monfils, Ana Ivanovic, Sania Mirza, Rohan Bopanna and Fabrice Santoro will make up the formidable Indian squad which will commence in Delhi on 6 December and conclude on 8 December. 

     

    World number two, Rafael Nadal who was representing the team, has been forced to withdraw from the League due to injury and the need for rehab time during the off season.

     

    In a televised message, Swiss ace Roger Federer said, “Namaste India! I’m really looking forward to making my first trip to New Delhi and playing for the Micromax Indian Aces. My team tells me that there are a lot of tennis fans and my supporters in the region, so I hope you can come out and support me in December. See you there!”

     

    Meanwhile IPTL founder Mahesh Bhupathi commented, “I take this opportunity to welcome Micromax to the IPTL family as owners of the India franchise. I believe the time for innovation in tennis has come. This December, New Delhi will witness tennis action like never before – one that will change the way people enjoy the sport.” 

     

    “As a tennis fan, I am excited to see Roger and Pete play for the same team, it’s unprecedented! I think Indian sports fans are in for a real treat,” Mahesh added.

     

    Talking about the association Micromax co-founder Rahul Sharma said, “I would like to congratulate Mahesh on this great initiative, and we are very excited to own the India franchise in IPTL. We are delighted to have the best names from the world of tennis with Roger Federer spearheading the challenge of Indian Aces. This partnership is part of our vision to bring India to the forefront of world class sporting events. Our long term intent is to bring a transformation for sports in India by developing world-class sports infrastructure in the country to encourage more youth to take up professional sport.”

     

    Later speaking on the sidelines to indiantelevision.com, he said that Micromax would go the full 360 degrees in promoting the event, adding that with the likes of Federer and Bhupathi there was little need for any build-up.

     

    Asked about the budget, he said that would not be a problem and Micromax will go to any level for successfully managing the team and its marketing.

     

    “The IPTL is a challenging initiative taken by Bhupathi in bringing the highest level of tennis to Asia in a competitive format and it was a privilege to partner with the organizers and team owners to make this event a great success for sports fans in India,” said  Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) president Anil Khanna.

     

    In his message, Nadal said, “I am very disappointed to announce that I will not be part of the first edition of the IPTL. I was looking forward to representing Indian Aces and playing in front of fans in New Delhi in the exciting new League. I wish the team the very best and hope to be back next year.”

      

    Bhupathi said the venue had been chosen over Mumbai because it was two and half times more than the size of the tennis court available in Mumbai.

     

    The IPTL matches will feature live entertainment, a running shot clock and many more features to ’Break the Code’ of the traditional etiquette of tennis to attract a new audience to the sport across the world.

     

    The League will feature four teams in the inaugural season before adding additional franchises to the calendar with the Indian “Aces” competing against the UAE “Royals”, Manila “Mavericks” and Singapore “Slammers” for a total prize money of USD 1 million.

     

     The IPTL format has been designed in a manner that will be very attractive to broadcasters and fans. The traditional scoring format has been changed to single-set no-add scoring which will speed up the games and allow the fans to up to 24 different players in one evening while the broadcasters for the first time, will be able to schedule predictable start and finish times of each match. Each match will consist of five sets played by different players (men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, mixed doubles and former Champions singles) and each game won counts as one point for the team points total – the team that wins the most games overall across the five sets wins the match.