There was no home joy on the first day of the 2016 International Premier Tennis League in Japan with the Singapore Slammers and Indian Aces winning their opening ties.
This year is the third season of the mixed team event, which features both active and former players. The ties feature teams playing a total of five sets, with different players participating in each set. Unlike the past two years, the third edition has been cut down to only four teams playing at three venues in Tokyo, Singapore and Hyderabad. Last year there were five teams playing in five different cities.
“This season required us to make some difficult choices and we have worked hard to bring Season 2016 to life across three host cities.” IPTL Founder Mahesh Bhupathi recently said.
Regardless of the uncertainty surround the event, the opening day has kicked-off with success. The first win of the 2016 league occurred for the UAE Royals, who upset defending champions Singapore Slammers 29-19. The trio of Goran Ivanisevic, Martina Hingis and Tomas Berdych triumphed in all three of their singles matches against Rainer Schuettler, Kiki Bertens and Nick Kyrgios.
Leading the Slammers by 18-8 after three sets, it was unlikely that the Royals would relinquish their lead. The men’s doubles saw them extend the lead after Daniel Nestor and Pablo Cuevas dismissed Marcello Melo and Marcos Baghdatis 6-3. The only set won by the Slammers occurred at the very end of the tie in the mixed doubles. Melo and Bertens managed to edge out Nestor and Hingis 8-5.
The inaugural #IPTL2016 match goes to the @UAERoyals who oust the @SG_Slammers 29-19!#IPTL2016 #UAEvSIN pic.twitter.com/9K8redFRA8
— IPTL (@iptl) 2 December 2016
Former champions Indian Aces began their campaign with a convincing 30-17 win over the Japan Warriors. The 2014 winners proved too strong for the Warriors, winning all five of the sets they played. Kirsten Flipkens, who hasn’t played a competitive match since October’s Luxemburg Open, recovered from a tentative start to dismiss Kurumi Nara 6-2 in the first match.
“I think in General we have a really good team and we got along really well, it is a positive thing.” Said Flipkens.
The victory of the Belgian world No.65 was followed by ones of teammates Sania Mirza, Rohan Bopanna, Mark Philippoussis, Feliciano Lopez and Ivan Dodig. Their one-sided triumph was praised by team captain and former world No.4 Tomas Enqvist.
“The players, they listened and they did their job. It was a lot of fun, we were excited to start the new season of the IPTL. I know the players think that it is one of the highlights of the year.” Said Enqvist.
The @IndianAces start their #IPTL2016 campaign on a winning note as they better the @japan_warriors 30-17!#JPNvIND pic.twitter.com/G6nwPf0OMQ
— IPTL (@iptl) 2 December 2016
Once former champions and runners-up last year, the Aces are eager to capture another title.
“That’s the plan, we’re here to try and win.” Said Aces player Mirza. “But more importantly, it is to try and have fun, which we are doing. It is a great start today and we can win in. We’re in it to win it.”
There is still hope for the Japan Warriors, who will welcome world No.5 Kei Nishikori to their team on Saturday. The second day will feature the Aces against the Slammers whilst home team Warriors play the Royals.
