Indian Aces’ Ana Ivanovic gestures during their women’s singles match against UAE Royals’ Kristina Mladenovic at the IPTL (International Premier Tennis League) Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014 at the Mall of Asia Arena in suburban Pasay city, south of Manila, Philippines. AP
MANILA, Philippines — The Micromax Indian Aces continued their dominance in the Manila leg of the inaugural International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) tournament Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Aces dropped the first match with Ana Ivanovic, coming off a win over Manila Mavericks’ Maria Sharapova on Saturday, losing to a streaking Kristina Mladenovic, 6-4, in the women’s singles.
But that was the only casualty for the Aces, who swept the last four matches to score a 28-20 win over the UAE Royals for their third victory in as many outings.
The animated Gael Monfils sparked the Aces anew with his energy and his unorthodox style fit for the non-traditional format of the IPTL.
“I love this format. I love this event. It suits me. I simply have fun out there,” said Monfils, who came into the tournament fresh off a victory over Roger Federer in the Davis Cup recently.
“I played good. I feel good the three games. I’m in shape,” Monfils said of his performance after winning in the men’s doubles when he paired up with doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna and in the men’s singles defeating Marin Cilic, 6-3.
“We have fun and still serious,” said the 28-year-old Monfils, who has yet to win a Grand Slam, of his team.
Monfils also showed off his dancing skills to the delight of the crowd.
“The fans are getting into it. It’s my first time here in the Philippines and it’s unbelievable,” Monfils said.
The Aces also dealt the Royals their first loss of the tournament.
The Singapore leg of the IPTL starts on Dec. 2-4.