DAY 8 MATCH 15: ICONIC ROGER FEDERER LEADS MICROMAX INDIAN ACES TO A 26-16 OVER DBS SINGAPORE SLAMMERS

DAY 8 MATCH 15: ICONIC ROGER FEDERER LEADS MICROMAX INDIAN ACES TO A 26-16 OVER DBS SINGAPORE SLAMMERS

7 December 2014

New Delhi : When the world’s most iconic tennis stars set foot in a country that loves sport, you can expect an atmosphere that’s nothing but incredible. This is exactly what New Delhi witnessed at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium when some of the finest players in the history of the sport competed in Day 2 of the Coca-Cola IPTLpresented by Qatar Airways today.

Debuting for the Micromax Indian Aces were World No. 2 Roger Federer and14 time Grand Slam Champion Pete Sampras. The Aces lost their first set but never looked back after that, winning the match 26 – 16 in a dominating display of high-power tennis.

• In the Past Champions set, a confident Patrick Rafter made the most of his IPTL experience, taking down Pete Sampras in the American star’s first match with a 6 – 2 win

• The electrifying second set saw Roger Federer and Sania Mirza stunning Slammers Nick Kyrgios(replaced Soares) and Daniela Hantuchova, sealing the set 6 – 0 with ease and delighting crowds

• Federer returned to the court, spreading magic with Rohan Bopanna for the Men’s Doubles.The duo played an adrenalin pumping set against Hewitt and Kyrgios and won 6 – 1 in fine fashion

• Tomas Berdych and Federer met in the Men’s Singles set, which witnessed a display worthy of two top ten players.Berdych put up a brave display of talent winning 4 sets but could not keep up with Federer’s brilliance and lost 6 – 4 in the set

• The final Women’s Singles set witnessed Ana Ivanovic and Daniela Hantuchova playing equally well, both showing tremendous staying power in the encounter that witnessed a 5-5 tie. Ivanovic won in a thrilling 5minute shoot out to claim the set 6 – 5
Roger Federer

“It’s my first time in India playing tennis, so it’s a big deal for me. I thought it’s a great innovation, people seem happy to see me, I was excited when I saw the lights flashing while introducing me, it was a goose-bump atmosphere. It was definitely a very cool moment for me in my career.”

“I’m happy that the IPTL is so competitive, it’s so professional. You want to win but there’s also so much fun with the team. In the off-season, there’s only a couple of days that I could do. The training, vacation and spending time with my family and not being away from them for too long is important to me. But these two days could fit perfectly well in my off-season schedule and I’m happy that I was able to achieve it all, it’s been a great experience for me this afternoon.”

“Its early days, but the IPTL definitely has a regular place for our sport. To have more interaction, more fun, different rules, you bend it, customize so it works for everybody involved. It’s a very interesting concept. I like the idea that it’s in this part of the world where you don’t see that many tournaments after all. It’s a very fascinating part of the world and for us to come here, is good. Those who want to play competitive in the off season can do it, and those who don’t want to, don’t have to. It’s also a fun team aspect, because the tour can get lonely for some us sometimes. It gives us an opportunity to be part of something special. Motivates you for the following season. When they announce you like a superstar when you walk back out, it’s special. But then, you need to make the switch mentally then.”

“I’m happy to have done well for my team today! It’s been a while since I’ve played Mixed Doubles. In the past, I’ve played with Martina Navratilova, Martina Hingis, and my wife. Playing with Sania today was fun.”

Above Featured Photo Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

2014 IPTL Manila Leg Photo Gallery By Marlon A. Bernabe / BurnSports.Ph

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