Ivanovic beats Sharapova in IPTL showdown

 
MANILA, Philippines—Ana Ivanovic bested Maria Sharapova in their International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) showdown Saturday night.

The two crowd-darlings went head-to-head with Ivanovic beating Sharapova, 6-3, in a keenly awaited clash between two former world No. 1 players who kept the fans at the Mall of Asia on the edge of their seats.

Ana Ivanovic. INQUIRER.net/RYAN LEAGOGO

“It was fun,” the Serbian beauty Ivanovic said after capping the Micromax Indian Aces’ 24-15 win over the Manila Mavericks. “I’ve been really happy being on the court and I’m enjoying my life.”

The 27-year-old Russian Sharapova, currently ranked No. 2, pulled ahead, 1-0, before Ivanovic won the next four.

Sharpova rallied from 2-5 down to beat Kristina Mladenovic on Friday and it seemed as if she was up for another comeback when she returned a volley and was a point away from taking a set.

But the Aces strategically called a power point, which amounts to two points, and Ivanovic was able to make full use of it after Sharpova fell short on her attempt.

The Mavericks dropped to 0-2 while the Aces hiked their record to 2-0.