Serena Williams makes her way to court as she was introduced before the Philippine Mavericks’ match against the OBI UAE Royals in the first day of the 2015 IPTL Manila leg Sunday night at Mall of Asia Arena. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Serena Williams dominated and so did the Philippine Mavericks in a 29-18 win over the UAE Royals in the opening day of the 2015 International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) Manila leg Sunday before a sizeable crowd at Mall of Asia Arena.
Williams, regarded as one of the best women’s tennis players ever, beat Serbian star Ana Ivanovic, 6-3, in women’s singles before the Mavericks’ pair of Richard Gasquet and Édouard Roger-Vasselin also hacked out a 6-3 victory over Tomas Berdych and Daniel Nestor in men’s doubles in the night cap.
“So excited to be here playing for the Mavericks,” said the 34-year-old Williams, who made her second visit in Manila after suiting up for the Singapore Slammers last year in the inaugural season of the IPTL.
The Filipinos came to see Williams and the current world No.1 did not disappoint.
During one of the intervals, Williams busted out a few dance moves as the rap song “Trap Queen” played to the delight of the crowd.
“It’s very fun and super cool,” Williams said of the atmosphere.
The Mavericks also drew convincing wins from Mark Philippoussis and Milos Raonic. Philippoussis destroyed Goran Ivanisevic, 6-2, in the legend’s match while Raonic, the fast rising star from Canada, turned back Berdych, 6-4.
The Royals’ only victory was when Kristina Mladenovic and Nestor survived Fil-American Treat Huey and Williams in a shootout in the mixed doubles, 7-6.
The win propelled the Mavericks in first place with a 2-1 record. The Royals also own the same slate but won fewer games to settle in second place.
The Mavericks take on the Japan Warriors, who have yet to win in four games, on Monday at 7:30 p.m. after Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal and the Indian Aces clash with the Royals at 4:00 p.m.
Nadal, who has 14 Grand Slam singles titles, will play in front of the Filipino crowd for the first time.