MATCH PREDICTION: Slammers likely to have upperhand over the Aces before the finals

THE SINGAPORE SLAMMERS will take on the Indian Aces in the final match of the league stages in International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) today in Singapore. 

The Aces have already qualified for the finals and the Slammers, who are placed second on the points table and are likely to qualify second after UAE Royals’ defeat this afternoon. That said, the hosts would want to carry their winning momentum into the finals tomorrow. 

For the defending champs, their captain Fabrice Santoro is back after an injury break and will once again be the vital cog in the Aces’ wheel. Meanwhile, Stan Wawrinka’s presence will keep the Slammers’ bench in high spirits. 

At the moment, both teams are evenly matched and there is little to separate the two teams. Another potential thriller awaits us. TFG analyses the game and picks the winner between the Aces and Slammers. 

LEGENDS SINGLES 

Carlos Moya has been in fine form lately and is riding high on confidence. On the other hand, Fabrice Santoro is coming off an injury and might take a few games to settle in. The Spaniard might just seize the moment and capitalize on his counterpart’s rustiness to edge ahead. Nonetheless, expect some intriguing rallies in the match and Moya might just end up winning by the tiniest of margins. 

Winner: Moya 

MEN’S SINGLES 

Stan Wawrinka might have lost a close set to Roger Federer yesterday, but will fancy his chances against an erratic Bernard Tomic. The Australian has spent more time on the court, but the Swiss is likely to overpower the lower ranked Tomic in this set. While, Wawrinka is likely to stick to the baseline, the Tomic might try a few unconventional shots. An exciting set in prospect and “Stan the Man” is the favourite here. 

Winner: Wawrinka 

WOMEN’S SINGLES 

Svetlana Kuznetsova will be making her IPTL debut in this set and will take time to adjust to the demands of the format and conditions. Meanwhile, Belinda Bencic has played enough matches and will bank on her experience to sneak ahead. Expect the Swiss to push the Russian behind the baseline and we are likely to see some interesting rallies. High percentage tennis will allow Bencic to sail through without much trouble. 

Winner: Bencic 

MIXED DOUBLES 

Mirza/Bopanna have been the best pair in this category throughout the tournament and should fancy their chances against the formidable Pliskova/Brown. The Slammers’ pair have played some inspired tennis, but the Indian duo will bank on their experience and expertise to grab a win here. 

Winners: Mirza/Bopanna

MEN’S DOUBLES 

Dodig/Bopanna have produced some stunning display of doubles tennis in this tournament till now and there is no reason as to why the pair won’t continue their good showing. On the other side of the net, Melo/Kyrgios too haven’t performed badly either. Another entertaining set on offer here and could well be decided by a shoot-out. Form and experience should see the Aces’ pair come through. 

Winners: Bopanna/Dodig 

Potential finalists will enjoy the rehearsal and would be keen on keeping their winning momentum going. That said, the Slammers are better placed to get a much needed win under their belt before tomorrow’s finals.