Aces slam Mavericks’ Sharapova, Murray

MEGAWATT star power doesn’t translate into victories on the court, or so it seems.

That’s the painful lesson for the Manila Mavericks who paraded A-listers Maria Sharapova and Andy Murray but still lagged behind in the standings after two days in the International Premier League Tennis matches.

Sharapova won just one of the four sets she played in, losing her much-awaited battle with fellow crowd darling Ana Ivanovic of the Indian Aces late Saturday, 6-3, in women’s singles at Mall of Asia Arena.

“It’s a great experience coming here to Manila and it’s great to be part of such great energy on the court, despite the team losing both days,” said the ravishing Sharapova. “I felt that all of us had a good time. My favorite thing about the IPTL is the team atmosphere.”

The 27-year-old Russian star, who left yesterday morning, also tweeted how the Manila fans made her feel “like a rock star.” She said she would like to come back next year.

“I felt such a great amount of energy walking out to the court. I really felt the warmth here,” added the five-time Grand Slam champion. “I’m very blessed to have good fans who are committed and have followed me through so many years.”

The world No. 2 Sharapova unleashed two aces to hold serve against Ivanovic, who was equally stunning in her all-black dress and pink visors. But the 26-year-old from Serbia buckled down to work, finding the tight corners to force Sharapova to commit errors as he went up by two breaks, 4-1.

Using her powerful forehands and attacking Ivanovic’s serves, Sharapova broke back for 4-2, to keep the crowd alive. But in the next game, Sharapova double faulted twice and yielded serve to Ivanovic.

It was clear Sharapova wanted a quick fightback as she slammed forehands to score a break for 5-3. By then, though, there was no stopping Ivanovic, the 2008 French Open champion.

Trailing 30-40 with Sharapova struggling on her serves, the Aces threw the red towel to call for a power point, which is worth two points.
A long exchange ensued. Then Sharapova returned wide.

Later she tweeted, “Well that was better than pecan pie. I got to hit some volleys and dance during the match, it must be Manila.”

Murray has so far lost all four sets he’s played, including a 6-4 defeat to Frenchman Gael Monfils in the men’s singles. The Mavericks are in third place with three points along with the Singapore Slammers going into yesterday’s matches. They are locked in battle at press time.

Mark Philippoussis replaced Carlos Moya in the Manila Mavericks lineup, battling Pat Rafter in the opening set in the Legends match. Moya got hurt in the groin area Saturday during his match against Fabrice Santoro.

Meanwhile, teams without their ace players —United Arab Emirates Royals, led by World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, and Indian Aces, headed by 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer—are flourishing. The Aces pooled 12 points after dominating the Royals, 28-20, last night. The Royals had 10 points while the Mavericks and Slammers were winless so far.

The winners of each match get two points. The team that reaches at least 20 points get an additional point.

Singapore Slammers ace and World No. 1 Serena Williams was playing Kirsten Flipkens at press time.

Flipkens replaced Sharapova as organizers avoided a possible showdown between the teams’ top players.

Top-tier players were only required to play in at least two legs, including their respective home games. The second leg will be staged in Singapore from Dec. 2 to 4.