Coca-Cola IPTL: Indian Aces vs Manila Mavericks preview
The third leg of the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League has arrived in India, and the local fans are super-excited as they will get to see the home team – the Indian Aces – in action later on in the night. The Aces currently sit on top of the table with Manila in third place, but the standings could easily change after today’s results.
The big news is that Roger Federer will not be playing today but will be playing on Day 2 and Day 3 of the India leg of the Coca-Cola IPTL.
But despite Federer and Pete Sampras missing from the line-up, the Happiness Open looks set to produce an exciting encounter today. Here is the preview of the match between the Indian Aces and the Manila Mavericks.
Men’s singles: Gael Monfils vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
The French Davis Cup teammates will face each other once again in the men’s singles category. Monfils came out on top last last time, beating Tsonga 6-4 with his unique combination of explosive power and deft touch.
Tsonga has been out of sorts since the Davis Cup final, whereas Monfils has been in brilliant form, losing only one set in the tournament so far. Monfils will also have the crowd behind his back as he looks to defeat his fellow Frenchman for the second time in a row.
Women’s singles: Ana Ivanovic vs Kirsten Flipkens
Ana Ivanovic has looked pretty good throughout the tournament, losing only to Serena Williams and Kristina Mladenovic. Her opponent, Kirsten Flipkens has not had a great tournament and needs to step up to the challenge.
With her superior firepower, the Serb will clearly have the edge over Flipkens in this women’s singles encounter. The Beligan will be looking to all of her court sense and guile to cause an upset, in the process silencing the crowd as well, who will be rooting for Ivanovic.
Men’s doubles: Monfils/Bopanna vs Huey/Nestor
Gael Monfils and Rohan Bopanna have lost both their doubles matches against the Manila Mavericks, and in rather one-sided fashion. They won a total of only two games combined in both the encounters.
In today’s set, Tsonga will be replaced by doubles specialist Daniel Nestor, and this might spell even more trouble for the Indian Aces duo. But with the crowd behind their back, Monfils and Bopanna will be looking to cause an upset over the Mavericks’ pair.
Mixed doubles: Mirza/Bopanna vs Flipkens/Nestor
The Indian Aces will have the edge over their opponents in this set as two of India’s best doubles players will be teaming up in front of a packed Indian crowd in New Delhi. Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna have lost only one set in the tournament so far, and will be looking to continue their good form and lead the Indian Aces to victory.
Legends’ singles: Fabrice Santoro vs Carlos Moya
Fabrice Santoro has hardly put a foot wrong in the tournament. He has been the best player in the ‘legends’ category by quite a margin. He thrashed Moya in their last meeting and will be looking to defeat him again.
With this being the only game for Santoro in the Indian leg of the IPTL, as Sampras is going to replace him tomorrow, the Frenchman will be looking to sign off with a good result. Moya on the other hand will be looking to avenge his loss against Santoro, so you can expect the match to be highly competitive.