ACES & VOLLEYS: Nagpur Orangers to ride on a well balanced unit, barring the legend

NAGPUR ORANGERS MIGHT be making their debut in the Champions Tennis League (CTL) but the Nagpur management has successfully constructed an experienced and balanced unit for the upcoming edition. The inclusion of former mixed doubles champion, Jelena Jankovic and current ATP top singles and doubles player, Feliciano Lopez will certainly keep the Orangers in good stead. 

India’s doubles specialist, Divij Sharan too will come into the tournament brimming with confidence after having a successful year at the ATP challenger level. Veteran, Alex Corretja too will bring in his years of experience and could be instrumental in guiding this well balanced unit to glory. 

From men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles to mixed doubles, the Nagpur team seem to have covered all their bases. 

Analysing the strong points of the Orangers, TFG feels Feliciano Lopez might be the biggest trump card for the Nagpur franchise. The Spaniard is an accomplished singles and doubles player in the ATP circuit and given his prior experience of playing in the CTL, Lopez will certainly keep the squad's spirits high. 

Lopez is known for his big serve and attacking game. He has one of the fastest hands in the men’s game today. Lopez has a proven track record in the singles and doubles and could easily get some crucial points for his side. It’s not to be forgotten that the Spaniard will feature in the men’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

Jelena Jankovic too has been a part of this extravaganza last year and will have little worries in adjusting back to the tricky format of the league. The Serb is still going strong in the WTA circuit and has the ability to out-hit her opponents from the baseline. Moreover, Jankovic has also proven her skills as a doubles player and her pairing with Lopez will be a huge plus for Orangers. 

Divij Sharan too will fancy his chances in the doubles, teaming up with Lopez. The Indian has tasted success in the doubles circuit and will make a strong pair with Lopez in the men’s doubles. 

The only apparent weakness in the Nagpur team is in the legends category. Spaniard Alex Corretja has not been in regular action post retirement. This coupled with the fact that Corretja loves playing on the clay court might not help the Nagpur team. Looking at the other legends in the league, Corretja might find himself chasing the pack.