UNBEATEN INDIAN ACES will take on the in-form Philippine Mavericks for the first time in the second edition of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) in Manila, today.
The defending champions are enjoying their winning streak in the tournament and are sitting pretty at the top of the points table. The Aces have also been given a shot in the arm with Rafael Nadal’s presence. On the other hand, the Mavericks too, are in the middle of a successful outing and will be no pushovers in this gripping tie.
Both teams have plenty of firepower and variety in their squad and that will further bring in more excitement to the contest. TFG analyses the game and picks the winner of the match between Aces and Mavericks.
MENS LEGENDS
Philippines’ Mark Philippoussis and Aces’ Fabrice Santoro have arguably been the best players in the legends category by some distance. These two players will walk into the court with all the experience and form under their belt. While, the Aussie will continue to serve big and play an aggressive game from the baseline, the Frenchman will use all his variety and tricks to disrupt the rhythm of his counterpart. A close, entertaining set is on the cards and Philippoussis might just have enough momentum and power on his racquet to get the job done.
Winner: Philippoussis
MEN’S SINGLES
If Nadal’s form in his match against Tomas Berdych yesterday is any indication, then Mavericks’ Milos Raonic will have quite a task on his hand as she steps onto the court for the men’s singles. Expect some brilliant shot making from both players and the Canadian will try to dictate traffic on his service game, while the Spaniard will look to expose Raonic’s backhand. The two have met on the ATP tour seven times and it’s Nadal who comfortably leads their head to head record 6-1. Expect Nadal to continue his dominance over Raonic.
Winner: Nadal
MIXED DOUBLES
The clash between Aces’ Mirza/Bopanna and Mavericks’ Serena/Huey has all the makings of a thriller. Both teams have the firepower, experience and finesse in the ranks to win most of the mixed doubles matches. Furthermore, all four players will come into this contest with adequate match practice and won’t take time to adjust to the conditions. While the pair of Serena/Huey will serve big to win cheap points, Mirza’s serve could come under the gun. At the end of some high-class tennis set, the Philippines’ pair is likely to have a smile on their faces.
Winners: Serena/Huey
WOMEN’S SINGLES
After a poor beginning in her first outing, Serena Williams had got into her groove and displayed some vintage tennis yesterday. She will enter the contest against Philippines’ Sam Stosur as the favourite. Also, Serena leads their head to head record on the WTA tour 8-3. Expect both women to rely on their big serving and look forward to some stunning winners on the forehand side. At the moment, the American looks poised to extend her lead over the Aussie.
Winner: Serena
MEN’S DOUBLES
The pair of Nadal/Dodig might have produced some sensational tennis in their previous outing, but might find the going tough against a more accomplished pair of Gasquet/Vasselin. The Frenchmen have been playing well as a pair and as far as coordination is concerned, the duo have been flawless. The Aces’ pair might come up with some brilliance of their own, but the consistency of Slammers’ pair should be enough to see them through.
Winners: Gasquet/Vasselin
The Indian Aces might be enjoying their winning streak, but the Mavericks are playing some inspired tennis and have a well-settled unit to break the unbeaten run of the defending champions and replace them at the top of the points table.