IPTL: Federer falls short as Murray's Slammers beat UAE Royals

Andy Murray handed Swiss great Roger Federer his consecutive defeat in the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) on Tuesday with a 6-4 win at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

On a rain-interrupted second day, Murray's OUE Singapore Slammers sealed a close 27-24 win over OBI UAE Royals.

"You don't get to be as great as Roger has been for so long if you are not competitive and want to win," Murray said during his post-match press conference.

"I'm obviously trying my best to win, but you don't read too much into the results because some of the guys haven't played matches for a while or haven't been practising as much. There were some good points, but it was just a little bit inconsistent."

Ahead 16-14 at the end of the mixed doubles, Federer’s combination with Marin Cilic fell short for the second time in as many days as the UAE Royals pairing lost 6-4 against Treat Huey and Eduard Roger-Vasselin in the men’s doubles.

“It’s tough playing at such pace especially with an opponent like Andy. But I really enjoyed myself out there. I am feeling much better with every match and hopefully I will start winning this year,” Federer said.

The Swiss ace had lost both his matches on Monday as well. But he will be action one more time on the third and final day on Wednesday as the UAE Royals face the Japan Warriors.

“Honestly, I did not fancy my chances of winning because this was my first match. But I think I did sufficiently well tonight and got the points,” Murray said.

Earlier in the day, the Indian Aces all but sealed their spot for next week’s final with a 24-23 win against the Philippine Mavericks in a rain delayed match.