IPTL’s return to Manila ‘great’ for local tennis

Local tennis fans are once again in for a treat as the International Premier Tennis League rolled into town on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.

After the success of last year’s inaugural IPTL season, Manila was once again chosen as one of the venues for the 2015 season, and fans can expect no less than top quality tennis action on the field.

Philippine Tennis Association Vice President Randy Villanueva is ecstatic that the IPTL is back in Manila.

“I think the presence of IPTL in the Philippines is starting to create a lot of attention for tennis locally. The fact that there will be more than 50,000 Pinoys who will watch live tennis in Manila the next three days, I think it’s great,” he said.

“I think it also helps that (Treat) Huey, a Filipino, is in the Mavericks team,” he said.

Women’s world No.1 Serena Williams spearheads the Philippine Mavericks charge and she is joined by world No.14 Milos Raonic and local favorite Huey in the team.

But all eyes will be on 14-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal as he makes his IPTL debut in Manila. The nine-time French Open champion is bannering the defending champions Micromax Indian Aces under playing Coach Fabrice Santoro.

Crowd favorite Ana Ivanovic returns to lead last year’s runners-up UAE Royals, where she is joined by world No.5 Tomas Berdych and doubles specialists Daniel Nestor and Kristina Mladenovic.

Villanueva also credits the IPTL for the putting the Philippines back in the international tennis map.

“I would also give credit to the IPTL. I think it’s one of the reasons why we are also hosting more international events like our ITF MENS FUTURES and our first ATP CHALLENGER this January 2016.”

He is also bullish about the Maverick’s chances this year.

“I think the team is stronger now, as Serena is higher ranked than Maria Sharapova, plus Serena will also play more this year compared to Maria.

“I think losing Daniel Nestor in doubles is huge but I think Huey, Edoard Roger-Vasellin and Richard Gasquet alternating doubles responsibilities for the team will be enough to make up for it.

“I like our chances this year compared to last year. Overall I think we have a stronger team that will travel with the team.

“We have to watch out for the other top two teams last year like the Aces and the Royals. I think these are the top three teams who are favorites in IPTL SEASON 2.”

Williams bounces back, Mavericks dominate Royals in IPTL Manila

The Philippine Mavericks continue its winning ways with a total 29-18 win over the OBI UAE Royals in day one of the IPTL 2015 Manila leg.

MANILA, Philippines – Serena Williams on Sunday, December 6, recovered from the shocking 6-4 loss to 23-year old Japanese Kurumi Nara in Japan two days ago with a 6-3 victory over Ana Ivanovic on Day One of the 2015 International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The women's world No. 1 – who thrilled Manila fans when she danced to the tune of "Trap Queen" by Fetty Wap on court – controlled the women's singles set, only allowing Serbian Ivanovic to come close at 4-3 before running away with it.

"I love the crowd here. I feel so excited," said Williams, who scored her final point of the night on a superb service ace. "It feels good to be back here. I'm so glad I'm actually part of the team (Mavericks) this year." (It's her second time to play in Manila.)

Williams' victory contributed to the Philippine Mavericks' total 29-18 win over the OBI UAE Royals to continue their winning ways from Japan.

The Mavericks, which arrived in Manila in third place with a 52-50 games win-loss record, cruised to an early 12-6 lead in the first two sets thanks to victories of Mark Philippoussis and Milos Raonic.

Australian Philippoussis, who had a career-high world No. 8 ranking, blasted Croatian Goran Ivanisevic, 6-2, in the men's legend's singles.

Youngster Raonic from Canada then overcame Czech veteran Tomas Berdych, 6-4, in men's singles for the quick advantage favoring the Mavericks.

Daniel Nestor and Kristina Mladenovic came alive for the Royals in mixed doubles, dominating to start that 3rd set before the duo of Williams and Treat Huey roared back to force a shootout, 6-5.

The Mavericks tied the shootout at 6-all before slipping as the Royals finished things off 7-6 for their lone set win.

Richard Gasquet and Edouard Roger-Vasselin then wrapped up the Mavericks' win with a 6-3 men's doubles triumph over Nestor and Berdych in the final set. – Rappler.com