Coca-Cola IPTL: Indian Aces vs Singapore Slammers preview
Christmas has come early in India! The day has finally arrived when Roger Federer sets foot on the Indian tennis courts in front of a packed Indian crowd. For some, this might still feel like a fantasy, but Mahesh Bhupathi and the Coca-Cola IPTL have managed to turn fantasy into reality.
While all eyes will be on the Swiss Maestro, today will also mark the IPTL debut of 14-time Grand Slam champion Pete Sampras. The two will feature for the Indian Aces as they take on Singapore Slammers in the first match on Day 2 of the Indian leg of the ‘Happiness Open’.
Men’s singles: Roger Federer vs Tomas Berdych
The stage is set for Roger Federer to make his debut. The 17-time Grand Slam champion will be playing in the Aces’ backyard, with the crowd already on their feet following a nail-biting win last night.
But Federer’s opponent will make sure he does his best to spoil the party. Tomas Berdych has managed to push Federer to his limit before, with their previous two encounters going to the last set.
With Federer on court, the set is bound to be a cracking one, and the tennis will be of the highest quality. This is a cannot-miss encounter!
Women’s singles: Ana Ivanovic vs Daniela Hantuchova
Ana Ivanovic is in red hot form, having pulled off an incredible victory over Kirsten Flipkens of the Mavericks last night. The Serb is the favourite going into the tie against Daniela Hantuchova too, but the Slovak cannot be taken lightly, as she proved to be the lone star for the Slammers in an otherwise dark day against the UAE Royals.
The 31-year-old got the better of Caroline Wozniacki and will enter the court high on confidence. After Ivanovic handed Hantuchova a bagel in Manila, we can expect a much tighter affair this time around.
Men’s doubles: Federer/Bopanna vs Soares/ Hewitt
Pairing up together for the first time, Roger Federer and Rohan Bopanna will look to light up the Delhi courts against Bruno Soares and Lleyton Hewitt. While it will be interesting to see how the Aces’ duo bond together, they will likely have enough firepower and skill to edge past the Slammers’ team.
Mixed doubles: Federer/MIrza vs Soares/Hantuchova
Federer will team up with Indian star Sania Mirza in the mixed doubles set, something that the Indian fans would love to see. The set will take on added intrigue as Mirza will face her tour mixed doubles partner Bruno Soares, who will pair up with Hantuchova for the first time.
With Mirza’s doubles acumen and powerful forehand, combined with Federer’s otherworldly skill level, this should be a comfortable victory for the Indian Aces.
Legends’ singles: Pete Sampras vs Pat Rafter
Making his debut in the Coca-Cola IPTL, 14-time Grand Slam champion Pete Sampras is a huge favourite amongst the Indian crowds. The American, who holds the record for most consecutive years finished as the World No. 1, will take on his one-time arch-rival Pat Rafter of Australia.
Sampras has been in good touch, playing regularly on the senior tour in his home country. Expect quite a few aces to fly around as the IPTL introduces one of the best players the sport has ever seen.