IPTL: Micromax Indian Aces enjoy convincing 28-20 victory over UAE Royals
The Indian Aces emerged as the winners in the battle between the two unbeaten sides. Despite losing the first set, the Aces managed to steer to a comfortable victory. Here is how the action unfolded in Manila.
Women’s Singles
The first match of the last day in Manila was off to a cracking start. To much surprise, Mladenovic started the set with more aggression and urgency. With early breaks, Mladenovic raced to a 5-1 lead and looked to give the UAE Royals a huge lead in the tie. However, Ivanovic was not ready to surrender as she fought back to take the next game. At 40-30 with Mladenovic serving, Ivanovic called for the ‘power point’ and hit a sumptuous passing shot to win the game.
Mladenovic managed to close out to set 6-4 to breathe a huge sigh of relief after holding off a late surge from the Serb.
Mladenovic beat Ivanovic 6-3.
Mixed Doubles
It was the Sania Mirza show in the mixed doubles tie. Partnering with Rohan Bopanna, the Indian star showed exactly why she is the reigning US Open mixed doubles champion. Mladenovic and Zimonjic started the match on the back foot as the Indian pair made light work of the Royal’s pair.
Excellent net play from Mirza and Bopanna earned the Aces a quick 5-1 lead. The Royals were able to reduce the deficit by winning the next two games, but that is all they would get from the set. Bopanna served out the set, giving the Aces a 6-3 victory.
Sania Mirza/Rohan Bopanna bear Kristina Mladenovic/Nenad Zimonjic 6-3.
Men’s Doubles
The Indian Aces took matters into their own hands, showing off their dominance in the IPTL. Frenchman Monfils and Bopanna faced US Open champion Cilic and Zimonjic in a tricky contest. Bopanna carried off from his impressive display in the mixed doubles set before, while Monfils simply doesn’t need a reason to be high on energy.
The Aces held an early one game lead and eventually doubled that to lead 4-2. Games were exchanged from them on, as the Indian Aces took the match 6-4. The crowed was entertained to Monfils winners and dance moves following the victory.
Gael Monfils/Rohan Bopanna beat Marin Cilic/Nenad Zimonjic 6-4.
Men’s Singles
The clash between Monfils and Cilic was always going to produce high quality tennis. Both tennis stars did not disappoint, playing out long rallies and pin-point accuracy with their shots.
Monfils continued to dazzle the Manila crowd, heading to a quick 2-0 lead. Cilic managed to pull one game back but that is where the set ended for the US Open champion. The Royals called for a substitute with Malek Jaziri replacing Cilic.
Jaziri showed an instant impact, levelling the score at 2-2. Monfils regained his comporsure and broke serve to take a 4-2 lead. Another service break resulted in a 6-3 victory for Monfils.
Gael Monfils defeat Marin Cilic/Malek Jaziri 6-3.
Legend’s singles
The Indian Aces went into the final set of the tie with a very healthy lead, six points ahead of the UAE Royals. Fabrice Santoro, captain of the Aces, managed to play pressure-free and produced some of his best tennis in the IPTL. Goran Ivanisevic started brightly with both player holding serve.
The tenth game of the set, proved to be the final one when Santoro broke Ivanisevic to take the set 6-4.
Fabrice Santoro beat Goran Ivanisevic 6-4.
Micromax Indian Aces beat UAE Royals 28-20.