MANILA, Philippines -- World No.1 Serena Williams ended her memorable year with a win while a young Milos Raonic pulled the rug from under world no.5 Rafael Nadal in the final set that sealed the Philippine Mavericks' unbeaten run at home with a thrilling 25-24 victory on Tuesday night at the conclusion of the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League Season Manila leg before a big crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Raonic, who ended the season at no. 14, squandered a 5-4 lead but remained composed in the super shootout as Nadal's net error allowed the home team to escaped with the win.
The 24-year old Raonic's 6 (7)-5 (6) win against Nadal made a fitting end to a three-day of world-class tennis action on Philippine soil.
"It's amazing to finish with a win here in Manila. It's an honor to come here and compete for you guys," said a victorious Raonic to the roaring approval of the appreciative home crowd.
Raonic has only won one of seven matches against Nadal. But in front of a big crowd that was confused whether to cheer for the home team or for the Spanish great, Raonic came up with a performance to remember answering Nadal's magical shots with strong service and forehands to claim the win.
Despite the loss, Nadal won the hearts of the fans leaving an indelible mark after playing amazing tennis in the last two days.
Earlier Nadal teamed up with Ivan Dodig to frustrate the French pair of Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Richard Gasquet, 6-4, that tied the match at 12-all following Mark Philippoussis' identical 6-4 win against the Aces' playing-coach Fabrice Santoro in the opening set.
Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza, who have been playing together for a long time, proved that familiarity was superior to individual talent in the mixed doubles as they scored a quick 6-3 win against local hero Treat Huey and world no.1 Serena Williams.
The loss left Williams mad at herself and came back with a vengeance in the women's singles against Samantha Stosur. She quickly raced to a 5-1 with the last coming off a power point that saw her let out a big scream.
Just as when it appeared that the match is already in the bag, Stosur won the next two games putting the pressure on her more illustrious opponent.
Williams answered the call and wrapped it up in the next game, 6-3, forging a 19-all overall score setting the stage for the Nadal-Raonic thrilling finale.