Federer fires Indian Aces to victory against Singapore in IPTL

Roger Federer shone brightly on his first appearance on Indian soil as he fired the Indian Aces to a convincing 26-16 victory over Singapore Slammers in the Delhi leg of the International Premier Tennis League in Delhi, on Sunday.

Federer along with Sania Mirza blanked Bruno Soares and Daniela Hantuchova 6-0 before winning his men's singles against Tomas Berdych and men's doubles with Rohan Bopanna to help the hosts bounce back after Pat Rafter had thrashed Pete Sampras 6-2 in the opening legends' match.

Federer and Sania were playing together for the first time and they proved to be unstoppable with a one-sided victory before the Swiss legend joined hands with Rohan Bopanna to outclass Nick Kyrgios and Leyton Hewitt 6-1 in the men's doubles match,

Tomas Berdych also suffered at the hands of the Swiss World No. 2 as he went down 6-4 in the men's singles.

In the women's singles match, Ana Ivanovic beat Daniela Hantuuchova 6-5 (7-5) to complete an easy victory for the Indian Aces.

Earlier, complete frenzy followed the much-awaited arrival of Federer, who arrived in Delhi early on Sunday alongside another legend Pete Sampras.

He was greeted by a huge roar when he made his entry into the stadium for his first taste of IPTL.

"It is very special to be here. I am getting special treatment ever since I have come here. I am very happy to be here. Thank you guys," said Federer while waving at the vociferous crowd after his mixed doubles match alongside Sania.

"It is an honour to play with Roger. I would now like to play Australian Open with him," joked Sania.

"I am very surprised with my play here. I am playing singles, doubles, mixed doubles and doing okay. I think the format is crazy but good fun.  We don't get to be a team on the pro circuit and that is why I think there is a place for this. That way people who don't get to see many tournaments in this part of the world, get to watch some top quality tennis," Federer added.