POPULAR »
Thu 28 March 2024

2014 IPTL: Indian Aces captures Manila pennant

[supsystic-social-sharing id="1"]

IPTL-Manila-Day-3-Photos (33)

The Micromax Indian Aces leave the Manila leg unscathed following a decisive 28-20 win over erstwhile unbeaten Musafir.com United Arab Emirates Royals in their 2014 Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) tie on Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Kristina Mladenovic opened the matchup with a 6-4 win over Ana Ivanovic in the women’s singles, but that was the only lead the team held throughout the contest as the mixed doubles and men’s doubles tandems snatched the lead and control of the match away.

Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza once again displayed their prowess as the Aces’ mixed doubles duo, downing the team of Mladenovic and Nenad Zimonjic, 6-3, to take the 10-9 lead.

Then, Bopanna’s luck rubbed off in the men’s doubles scratch, as his team-up with Frenchman Gael Monfils produced a 6-4 victory over Zimonjic and Marin Cilic to pad on their lead 16-13.

Monfils also pocketed the men’s singles win, nixing the UAE switcheroo in replacing Cilic in favor of Malek Jaziri and scoring a 6-3 win to further extend their advantage, 22-16.

Finally, playing-coach Fabrice Santoro scored the knockout blow in his conquest of Goran Ivanisevic in the past champions singles, 6-4.

“I love this format. This suits me well. I love the team atmosphere. We have fun out there. Actually we’re good friends – Ana, Sania – we grew up together. It’s a good competition because we have fun!,” said Monfils following the contest.

“I was surprised with the substitution [of Cilic.] Malek is tough, but I think I was in great shape. I’m happy to win for my team. After three wins, I feel great, I feel strong,” he added, noting his win over Jaziri.

The Aces, atop the table with the full 12 points, travel to Singapore and will face the Royals again in their return match on December 2.

[simpleviewer gallery_id=”186″]



[supsystic-social-sharing id="2"]