IPTL PREDICTION: Balanced Slammers to keep Warriors languishing on the points table

THE SINGAPORE SLAMMERS and the Japan Warriors will open up proceedings as they lock horns in the first match of the Manila leg of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL), today. 

The Slammers will enter the match brimming with confidence after their positive finish in Kobe and would be keen on climbing up the point table. On the other hand, the Warriors are yet to register a win under their belt and would be desperately hoping to turn their fortunes around. 

That said, the absence of marquee names in Kei Nishikori and Maria Sharapova might hurt the Japanese team. Meanwhile, the Slammers are unchanged and should enter the afternoon’s clash as the favourites. 

TFG analyses the game and picks the winner between the Slammers and the Warriors. 

MEN’S LEGENDS 

In this category, Slammers’ Carlos Moya might fancy his chances against the temperamental Marat Safin. While the Spaniard has won a match earlier in the week, the Russian has struggled to get onto the board. Safin will continue to be the aggressor in the match, but Moya’s consistency and patience behind the baseline might help him get over the line. 

Winner: Moya 

MEN’S DOUBLES 

This match has all the potential and makings of producing some high-octane tennis. All four men, Japan’s Herbert/Paes and Singapore's’ Brown/Melo have displayed some incredible shot making. Expect an exhibition of serving, chipping, volleying and passing shots going ahead. We might see quite a few breaks in this set, but that will certainly add more excitement to this clash. Tough to pick a winner here, but Paes’ experience and Herbert’s court sense might help the Warriors clinch a close one. 

Winners: Paes/Herbert 

WOMEN’S SINGLES 

Japan’s Kurumi Nara might have beaten Serena Williams a few days back, but the diminutive girl is unlikely to continue her merry ways against Mavericks’ Belinda Bencic. The Swiss might not have tasted success in this format, but her variety and consistency should prove to be more than a handful for Nara. Expect Nara’s serve to come under the gun here. 

Winner: Bencic 

MEN’S SINGLES 

Singapore's’ Nick Kyrgios might have lost his set against Ivan Dodig a few days back, but the prodigiously talented Aussie should have enough firepower to dismiss the trick customer in Philip Kohlschreiber. While the German will try to mix his shots, the Aussie will stay put at the baseline. Kyrgios’ serve and his ability to come up with stunning shots at crucial moments should keep the German at bay. 

Winner: Kyrgios 

MIXED DOUBLES 

The pair of Paes/Lucic Baroni might have experience on their side, but the exuberance of Kyrgios/Bencic will pose a huge threat in this category. Bencic has been playing mixed doubles in this competition and Kyrgios’ big serving and forehands to Baroni should put the Warriors on the back-foot. Paes will try to execute some cheeky points and he is sure to find success, but the Slammers’ pair should have the last laugh. 

Winners: Kyrgios/Bencic 

The Singapore team might not have marquee names in the squad at the moment, but have enough firepower and depth to get the better of Warriors in today’s opening tie. Given the current form of both sides, the Slammers should keep moving up the points table, while the Warriors are likely to keep languishing.