MATCH PREDICTION: Warriors play for pride, but Mavericks remain in contention for finals

THE JAPAN WARRIORS will take on the Philippine Mavericks in their final game of this year’s International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) in Singapore today. 

While, the Mavericks are still with a realistic chance of qualifying for the finals, the Warriors will be pleased that their disastrous campaign is coming to an end. That said, Japan would press for a consolation win to sign off on a positive note. 

Both teams have faced injury issues and given the Warriors are out of the final race, they might further try to experiment with their players. On the other hand, the Mavericks will be delighted to have the services of Ivo Karlovic and would be desperately hoping for their captain Mark Philippoussis to return. 

Expect the Philippines to come out all guns blazing, but the wounded Warriors can certainly play the party poppers. TFG analyses the game and picks the winner of the match between the Mavericks and Warriors. 

LEGENDS SINGLES 

Mavericks’ captain Mark Philippoussis continues to be injured and once again James Blake will step onto the court to take on Warriors’ Marat Safin. The Russian showed signs of coming back to form in his previous set and will fancy his chances against the American. Expect both men to be inconsistent on the service games and it’s unlikely that we will see long rallies in this set. That said, the Blake might just do enough to disrupt the tempo and focus of Safin. 

Winner: Blake 

WOMEN’S SINGLES 

In this category too, Jarmila Gadjosova and Kurumi Nara might end up making a lot of unforced errors. Both women have looked scratchy throughout the tournament and might rely on breaking each other’s serve to win games. Expect sluggish tennis in this set and substitutions too is inevitable here. However, the Aussie has spent enough time on the court as compared to the Japanese and that might help the Mavericks clinch a tight one. 

Winner: Gadjosova

MIXED DOUBLES 

The mixed doubles will see some interesting contest between Mavericks’ pairing of Gajdosova/Vasselin and Warriors’ Paes/Baroni. All four players have been involved in this category and are likely to produce a gripping contest. While Gajdosova/Vasselin have settled as a team and have got the desired results, Paes/Baroni will have more experience in this department. Like always, expect the women’s serve to be attacked. The Warriors’ duo might just play the bigger points better to grab one here. 

Winners: Paes/Baroni

MEN’S DOUBLES 

If the mixed doubles is going to be exciting, then the battle between Paes/Herbert and Huey/Vasselin won’t be far behind. All four men are experts in this category and can come up with the goods at the right time. Serving and volleying treat on offer here and service breaks too shouldn’t come as a surprise. Given the form and previous results, it’s too close to pick a winner here, but the Japanese pair might eke out a close win. 

Winners: Paes/Herbert

MEN’S SINGLES 

Herbert might be playing some inspired tennis in the recent past but the challenge of big serving Karlovic will be a daunting task for the Frenchman. The Croat has become an expert in this unique format and will continue to serve bombs and win cheap points. It could all come down to a shoot-out and that will surely make the giant a favourite. 

Winner: Karlovic 

The Japan Warriors are out of the finals race but will have the motivation of getting a consolation win under their belt and might also play with freedom. The Warriors are also better placed in the men’s and mixed doubles category and should win those two sets. On the other hand, the Mavericks will realize the danger on the other side of the net and might tighten up their game to remain in contention for a place in the finals.