TABLE TOPPERS INDIAN ACES will take on second placed Philippine Mavericks in their second clash of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi, today.
The Aces were beaten in their previous clash against the Mavericks a few days back in Manila and will be keen on avenging their defeat in front of their home fans later in the evening.
Besides being led by the 14 time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, the home team will also be delighted to welcome the services of Agnieszka Radwanska into their squad. On the other hand, the Mavericks will be without the services of Serena Williams and might feel the void in the women’s and mixed doubles.
Given the American’s departure from the visitors’ line-up and with the fact the Mavericks will have to content with the vocal crowd in Delhi, the Aces will surely fancy their chances of settling the scores with the Philippine team.
TFG analyses the game and picks the winner of the match between the Mavericks and Aces.
LEGENDS SINGLES
The two best players in this category Mark Philippoussis and Fabrice Santoro produced another classic a few days back and much of the same is expected from them in the evening. The Delhi crowd is sure to witness some old-school tennis with a mixture of big serves, volleys and slices. The Australian might have eked out a win over his counterpart in Manila, but expect the Frenchman to strike back in front of his home crowd.
Winner: Santoro
Women's singles
Debutant Agnieszka Radwanska might take some time to adjust to the conditions and the demands of the format, but the Polish player has enough skill and experience to out-hit the Australian Jarmila Jagdosova. Expect some clean hitting fro, both baseliners, but in the end, Aces' Radwanska is likely to come out trumps.
Winner: Radwanska
MEN’S SINGLES
Nadal might have lost a close shoot-out against Milos Raonic a few days back in Manila, but expect the Spaniard to hit back when he faces Raonic's team-mate Roger Vasselin. The Frenchman has been playing decent doubles tennis, but might have little quality to stay in the rallies with Nadal. Expect Nadal to cruise through this set.
Winner: Nadal
MEN'S DOUBLES
This contest between Aces' Nadal/Bopanna and Mavericks' Treat Huey/Vasseling has all the makings of a cracker. While the home team might have Nadal's class and Bopanna's experience in the doubles, the Mavericks' pair will rely on their expertise and form to find success here. That said, with some home support Nadal/Bopanna might just get grab the set.
Winners: Bopanna/Nadal
MIXED DOUBLES
Sania Mirza/Bopanna have arguably been the best mixed doubles pair in this tournament so far and might have enough class and match practice to get the better of Huey/Tomljanovic. Expect the women's service games to come under the gun here.
Winners: Mirza/Bopanna
The Indian Aces might have lost their previous game but look nicely poised to beat the Philippine Mavericks and maitain their lead in the point table.