Indian Aces go down against UAE Royals in IPTL

Tokyo, Dec 4 (IANS) Indian Aces were beaten 20-30 by UAE Royals in an International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) match here on Sunday.

Swiss star Martina Hingis led Royals to the top of the table at the end of the Japan leg of the tournament on Sunday. The tournament next moves to Singapore.

From the very beginning, the Dubai-based team showed confidence and resilience to dominate against the Aces, comprising Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna.

In the men's legends tie, Thomas Johansson won 6-3 over Mark Philippoussis.

Hingis rolled back the years, defeating Kirsten Flipkens 6-4. And then Hingis faced her former doubles partner Sania Mirza in the mixed doubles tie, winning 6-4.

Sania teamed up with Bopanna, whereas Hingis took the court with Pablo Cuevas.

Tomas Berdych edged Feliciano Lopez in the men's singles 6-3. In the men's doubles, Bopanna and Lopez forced a 6-6 draw against Daniel Nestor partnering Cuevas.

In the second match of the day, Singapore Slammers defeated Japan Warriors 27-23.

Singapore, the IPTL defending champions, clinched a narrow victory against the local team.

Local lad Kei Nishikori of the Warriors said goodbye to a packed Saitama Super Arena with a singles tie win over Nick Kyrgios.

Kiki Bertens won against former World No.1 Jelena Jankovic in the women's singles tie.

In the mixed doubles set, Jean-Julien Rojer and Jankovic beat Kyrgios-Bertens.

Carlos Moya won over Marat Safin in the legends match.

--IANS

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