UAE Royals vs Micromax Indian Aces - Preview
On the back of another stunning winning in Manila, the Indian Aces head into their final encounter of the Manila leg, high on confidence, against UAE Royals. The Royals also have impressive in the early stages of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) with two wins from two matches. In the battle of the winners, both teams will feel they have enough to finish the leg on top of the table.
Nothing separates the Indain Aces and the UAE Royals – both with two wins and eight points. The Royals however have won more games than the Aces, holding a 57 – 50 lead. With each game crucial and counting towards the final result, let us take a look at the potential game changers between UAE Royals and Indian Aces.
Men’s Singles: Marin Cilic vs Gael Monfils
The battle between the two unbeaten men in the singles will be one of the most difficult to predict. Following an incredible victory over Roger Federer in the Davis Cup, Gael Monflls is playing the tennis of his life. His opponent, Marin Cilic is the reigning US Open champion. This will be only their second meeting and it promises to be on the same lines a the previous one – full of entertainment and spectacular tennis shots.
Head to Head – Cilic 0 – 1 Monfils
Previous meeting: Monfils beat Cilic 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Women’s Singles: Kristina Mladenovic vs Ana Ivanovic
In the women’s singles, the Aces will feel that they have the upper hand with Ana Ivanovic in their corner. The Serb defeated Maria Sharapova yesterday and will be looking to grab her third win in Manila. Mladenovic on the other hand has had two impressive sets so far in the IPTL. She narrowly lost against Sharapova but breezed past Huntochova. The two will be facing each other for the first time and it seems that their very first encounter will be one to remember.
Men’s Doubles: Marin Cilic/Nenad Zimonjic vs Gael Monfils/Rohan Bopanna
Marin Cilic and Nenad Zimonjic take on Gael Monfils and Rohan Bopanna in the men’s doubles tie. Monfils and Bopanna were thrashed 6-2 and 6-0 in the last two matches in the IPTL and will be looking to reverse the trend against the Royals.
Mixed Doubles: Kristina Mladenovic/Nenad Zimonjic vs Sania Mirza/Rohan Bopanna
Indian pairing of Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna have been mighty impressive so far. On the back of an excellent 6-1 win over Sharapova and Murray, the Indian duo head into this tie as favourites.
Legends Singles: Goran Ivanisevic vs Fabrice Santoro
Goran Ivanisevic and Fabrice Santoro will restart their rivalry prior to the beginning of the new millennium. In one of the most fascinating legends ties, the 2001 Wimbledon champion will have to be on his best against an in-form Santoro. Ivanisevic leads the head-to-head 5-3 and this one has all the ingredients of being another special encounter.
Head to Head – Ivanisevic 5 – 3 Santoro
Previous meeting: Santoro beat Ivanisevic 6-3, 7-6 (4).