Mavericks spoil Djokovic’s IPTL debut, outlast Royals

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila Mavericks got back on track and spoiled world no. 1 Novak Djokovic's debut with a 27-24 win against UAE Royals Sunday night at the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League Presented by Qatar Airways before another packed crowd at Indira Ghandi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, India.

Unbeaten Mark Philippoussis met UAE Royal Goran Ivanisevic in a spirited first set. Continuing his winning streak for the Mavericks, Philippoussis built a comfortable lead and won the set 6-3.

In the Men’s Singles, the Royals gained ground with world no. 9 Marin Cilic beating big-hitter Jo-Wilfred Tsonga in a shootout, 6-5.

In a replacement that thrilled fans, IPTL debutant Djokovic replaced Cilic and partnered with Nenad Zimonjic in the Men’s Doubles against Tsonga and Daniel Nestor. Djokovic was not supposed to play until Monday, but played earlier to try to rally the Royals to no avail.

Making the best of their experience, the Mavericks swiftly got into a lead, slowly but compellingly broken by the Royals to level scores. An inspiring shootout was wrapped up in style by Tsonga and Nestor to book the 6-5 win.

Nestor continued to flash his great form, teaming up with Kirsten Flipkens to tighten the Mavericks lead with a 6-2 demolition of Zimonjic and Kristina Mladenovic.

In the Women’s Singles, World No.8 Caroline Wozniacki met Flipkens in a closely contested set that witnessed several exciting rallies and fine moves. Playing a cool yet powerful game, Wozniacki gradually brought the Royals back into the match but went down to a smart and calculated Flipkens during overtime.

“I tried to stay positive and aggressive when I had the chances and did not want to repeat yesterday’s mistakes. I’m happy to have come out with a win. We just have to continue and win games because each game is important to us in the League," said Flipkens, who squandered the Mavericks' lead on Saturday in a heartbreaking loss to league-leader Indian Aces.

The Mavericks caught the Royals at second spot with 23 points with identical 4-4 win-loss records.

In the first match, world no. 2 Roger Federer was unstoppable, helping the Indian Aces tighten their grip of the overall lead with a dominant 26-16 win against cellar-dweller Singapore Slammers.

The Aces bucked a first set loss by debuting legend Pete Sampras. Patrick Rafter won against a rusty Sampras, 6-2.

The electrifying second set saw Federer and Sania Mirza blanking the pair of Nick Kyrgios and Daniel Hantuchova in a stunning fashion, 6-0.

Federer continued his dominant form in the men's doubles, partnering with Rohan Bopanna to rout Kyrgios and Lleyton Hewitt, 6-1.

Federer spilled his magical play into the men's singles outdueling Thomas Berdych, 6-4.

“It’s my first time in India playing tennis, so it’s a big deal for me. I thought it’s a great innovation, people seem happy to see me. I was excited when I saw the lights flashing while introducing me, it was a goose-bump atmosphere. It was definitely a very cool moment for me in my career," Federer said.

 “I’m happy that the IPTL is so competitive, it’s so professional. You want to win but there’s also so much fun with the team," Federer added.

Ana Ivanovic wrapped up the win with a close 6-5 win over Hantuchova in the women's singles.