IPTL: Nadal, Sania help Indian Aces thrash Philippines Mavericks

Legendary Rafael Nadal was at his energetic best in his two wins as rampaging Indian Aces continued their sparkling run in the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) with a 30-12 rout of the Philippines Mavervicks, on the opening day of the Indian leg of the event.

Nadal, the 14-time Grand Slam winner, combined with India's Rohan Bopanna to win the men's doubles before closing
the contest with a reasonably comfortable win in the men's singles over French opponent Edouard Roger-Vasselin, who is a doubles specialist.

Before that, Bopanna and Sania Mirza started off in brilliant fashion by crushing the Mavericks combo of Treat Huey and Ajla Tomljanovic 6-2.

The mixed doubles Indian pair proved too hot to handle for the visitors. Sania's fierce forehand and calculated serves was a treat to watch for the home fans. It was Sania's backhand winner when Tomljanovic was serving that sealed the opening set for the defending
champions.

World No 5 and WTA year-end Finale champion Agnieszka Radwanska then recorded another dominating triumph over Jarmila Gajdosova. After two sets, the Indian team was leading 12-3. The gap was too big and Fabrice Santoro widened it beyond reach of the rivals with his 6-1 win over Mark Philippoussis. 

That win of the French player all but sealed the fate of the Philippines team and the next two matches were a mere a formality. There was some contest in the men's doubles match between Nadal-Bopanna and Huey and Roger-Vasselin but it was the home team that prevailed 6-4. 

The last match of the day between Nadal and Roger-Vasselin was to decide only the margin of victory for the defending champions.

Nadal came out all guns blazing to beat his rival 6-4. The Spaniard southpaw was leading 4-1 at one stage and Roger-Vasselin stopped it from becoming a no-contest with his gritty fight. 

It was the fourth win for Indian Aces in five matches and they continue to sit on top of the points table.