Current US Open champion and World no. 9 Marin Cilic will represent the UAE Royals, the Dubai based IPTL franchise, in the inaugural edition of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL).

The Croatian ace replaces Richard Gasquet in the Royals' line-up.

Cilic will travel to the IPTL’s matches in the Philippines, Singapore and India before finally playing in front of a packed stadium at Dubai’s Hamdan Sports Complex from December 11 to 13.

Joining Cilic in the UAE Royals team are World no. 1 Novak Djokovic, Canadian Eugenie Bouchard, former World no. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, the legendary Goran Ivanisevic, doubles specialist Nenad Zimonjic and Arab no.1 Malek Jaziri.

Commenting on his entry into the UAE Royals squad, Cilic said: “The International Premier Tennis League presents an exciting platform for tennis players to enjoy the sport in a brand new way and I am thrilled to be part of the inaugural edition.

“The UAE Royals are a power-packed squad and I look forward to playing for the team in front of fans in Dubai and other cities.”

Sawan Ravani, co-owner of UAE Royals, added: “We are honoured and thrilled to have Marin Cilic, who is currently storming the Kremlin Cup in Russia, join the UAE Royals team.

“Cilic will add his own brilliance to a team that already boasts legends such as World No 1 Novak Djokovic and Goran Ivanisevic among its male players. Ivanisevic, incidentally, discovered and mentored Cilic, so their relationship brings a special chemistry into our team.”

At a career-high No. 9, Cilic captured his first Grand Slam title at the US Open this year, also becoming the first Croatian to claim a major crown since Ivanisevic at the 2001 Wimbledon.