UAE Royals outgun Manila Mavericks in thrilling IPTL shootout

Musafir.com UAE Royals pulled off a thrilling 26-25 win over Manila Mavericks in the Coca-Cola IPTL presented by Qatar Airways at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Sports Complex in Dubai on Thursday.

Micromax Indian Aces lead the overall after defeating Singapore Slammers 28–24 in the opening match of the fourth and final leg of the inaugural Indian Premier Tennis League in Dubai.

Hosts UAE Royals clinched victory in the deciding Men's doubles tie when Nenad Zimonjic and Marin Cilic beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Daniel Nestor in a shootout.

Sheikha Shaikha bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan welcomed the inaugural season of the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League to the UAE.

She applauded the participating players representing the UAE in particular.

“We are proud to host such a prestigious event as the IPTL in the UAE, and wish all teams good luck,” she said.

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki gave the UAE Royals a flying start with a dominant 6-2 victory against Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens in the opening set.

Mavericks hit back through Mark Philippoussis who won a shootout against Goran Ivanisevic in the clash of the legends while Frenchman Jo-Wilfred Tsonga also upset world number one Novak Djokovic in a Men's singles shootout.

“The format is very special, we didn’t know what to expect, the guys have been travelling already for thre weeks, it’s a lot of fun. The team spirit that we get to feel that we saw today is something that we don’t get to experience much on the tour, but here we have the whole team supporting you, all the players, the coaches … its very good,” said Djokovic who also lost a shootout in the previous leg in Delhi to Roger Federer.

The experienced Mixed Doubles pair of Flipkens and Nestor won their set 6–4 against Nenad Zimonjic and Kristina Mladenovic to tie the scores at 20-all and set up a tantalising finale.

“I think it was to be or not to be for both teams, the Royals and the Mavericks. There was tremendous spirit and it was a pleasure to play. I have really enjoyed being a part of the team. I hope the crowds loved it as much as we did,” said US Open champion Marin Cilic after leading UAE Royals to victory.

“I have had a great time watching the IPTL. The players are playing their hearts out. The best way to practice is play matches. The more you play the better you get. This is a wonderful way to practice for the new season,” said tennis legend Boris Becker of the competition.

For Micromax Indian Aces Ana Ivanovic defeated Daniela Hantuchova in a shootout to give them an early lead.

“We played on a slower and softer court, so it was a little more difficult to play and return. You get more time,” said Ivanovic.

Fabrice Santoro outplayed Patrick Rafter 5-3 in a set where the Frenchman dominated though the Australian bravely won three games after being down 5–0.

The all-Indian pair of Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna won the Mixed Doubles after a tense shootout against Daniela Hantuchova and Bruno Soares.

In a set that witnessed great reflexes and several sensational tennis moves, Bopanna returned to the court with Gael Monfils against Soares and Lleyton Hewitt to triumph 6–3.

However, Slammers bounced back through Tomas Berdych in the final Men’s Singles set against Monfils winning after overtime 8-4.

“We know there is pressure but we know what we have to do. That is to win. We will make it. All my team members are special, they give out a lot of positive energy and are all great,” said Monfils.

Friday's schedule

4.00pm: Micromax Indian Aces vs DBS Singapore Slammers

7.30pm: Musafir.com UAE Royals vs Manila Mavericks




 

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