IPTL: Second straight defeat for Aces

Singapore: Indian Aces suffered their second successive loss in the inaugural International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) as they went down fighting 20-25 to Manila Mavericks in the last match of the Singapore leg here on Thursday.

In an encounter that saw the lead change hands three times in the first three sets, Manila rode on the victories of Philippoussis in Legend’s singles, Daniel Nestor and Kirsten Flipkens in mixed doubles and Treat Huey and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in men’s doubles.

It was Australian Mark Philippoussis, who started the proceedings for Manila as he continued his unbeaten streak with a convincing 6-4 opening match win over Cedric Pioline.

World No.5 Ana Ivanovic then brought the Aces back into the contest with a comprehensive 6-2 win over Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium. A lot was expected from Indian pair of Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza but the duo went down 2-6 to Nestor and Flipkens.