UAE Royals stun IPTL champions Indian Aces in thrilling finale

Micromax Indian Aces, who charmed tennis lovers in Manila, Singapore, New Delhi and Dubai, were crowned champions of the inaugural Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League presented by Qatar Airways on Saturday.

Hosts UAE Royals produced an exhilarating performance in the final match at Hamdan bin Mohammed Sports Club to stun the champions Indian Aces 29-15 to finish second.

Kristina Mladenovic showed superb form in the opening set against Ana Ivanovic but the Indian Aces player won a shootout 6-5.

Nenad Zimonjic, the best in the business on a doubles court, powered Mladenovic to victory against Indian pair Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza 6-2.

Zimonjic was joined by Novak Djokovic and later by Goran Ivanisevic in a set that witnessed fascinating volleys and intelligent rallies from both pairs. The Royals won the set 6-2.

In the Legends’ set, Ivanisevic played against Cedric Pioline before an appreciative crowd that loved the enjoyable set. Ivanisevic won 6–5, very much in charge in a shootout.

Djokovic met Monfils and gave spectators a fresh demonstration of his world no.1 status, trouncing the Indian Ace in style 6-0.

“I definitely enjoyed the whole experience very much, going to India for the first time, playing in India, playing alongside some of the players that I used to admire, and grew up looking how they ruled the tennis world … that is something I very much appreciated," said Djokovic.

“Mahesh (Bhupathi) is the mastermind behind this idea. I remember when we spoke for the first time a year-and-a-half ago, and he presented me this idea, I thought it was great and I supported it all the way. I think this league helps our sport get bigger in this market, and so I am very glad to be a part of it."

“Everyone is happy. The players have embraced it, a lot of them who have played the whole season have been able to bond with players with whom they normally wouldn’t because tennis is such an individual sport, and obviously the stars that have come in and played a few matches have taken it to the next level for the fan experience and television audiences," said Bhupathi.

“We had many funny moments, lots of good energy in the team and we are thrilled to be champions of the very first IPTL today. There were some moments of very intensity, but it was a lot of fun. It was a great experience for me,” said Ivanovic.

“After we won the first three matches in a row, we felt that we are probably one of the best teams. But then we had a couple of rough matches. But overall we had confidence in each other, we were really getting along well on and off the court, and we were playing hard to win all throughout the league. and we’re really glad to have won the trophy,” added Indian superstar Sania Mirza.

Manila Mavericks thrash DBS Singapore Slammers 30-15 in the penultimate game of the tournament.

In the Legends Singles, Mark Philippoussis won a shootout for Mavericks against Pat Rafter.

Weaving German magic, Philipp Kohlschreiber came on for the Mavericks as an alternate for Tsonga, stunning Tomas Berdych 6–2 in the Men’s Singles.

The in-form duo of Kirsten Flipkens and Daniel Nestor took to the court for the mixed doubles and earned a deserving 6–1 win against Nick Kyrgios and Daniela Hantuchova.

Nestor came back with Kohlschreiber to play against Lleyton Hewitt and Bruno Soares, leaving a solid impression on the crowds yet again with impressive moves and rallies, taking the set 6-4.

Flipkens played against Hantuchova in the last and final set and took her down 6-3.

“The IPTL has been an unbelievable event. Let’s hope for really big things in the next ten years. I am excited for Mahesh,” said Rafter.

“I think the IPTL is a very thrilling and quick format and I was practicing very hard for the singles, so I’m glad to win,” said Kohlschreiber.



 

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