India's exciting date with the legends of tennis world ended on Monday after the likes of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Pete Sampras and Goran Ivanisevic gave enough glittering glimpses of their brilliance on the concluding day of IPTL.
Manila Mavericks defeated Singapore Slammers 23-17 in the evening match while the Djokovic-led UAE Royals proved too hot for home team India Aces, winning 29-22 in the Indian Premier Tennis League. The inaugural tournament now travels to Dubai for the fourth and final leg from December 13.
But the day, as it has been the case all through the show, was not about who won and lost. The frenzy was all about the magic greats of past and present weaved inside the makeshift tennis court laid at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. The atmosphere was loud even as the venue was far from full, something seen on all three days.
The mother of all clashes was the one between world number one Djokovic and Federer. The responsive crowd though had to wait right till end for the much-awaited match in the three-day leg. The earlier sets of the night tie had a lot to offer.
The home team's Ana Ivanovic lost to Kristina Mladenovic 5-6 but that was rather welcomed by the crowd, making way for Sampras and Ivanisevic to renew their famous rivalry in the past champions' singles. The keenly anticipated contest was cut short when Sampras was substituted by captain Fabrice Santoro as Ivanisevic led 4-1. Sampras, who looked rusty in his opener yesterday, was not at his best again, forcing him to also miss the men's doubles alongside Federer. Ivanisevic won the set 6-3.
As all waited with bated breath for the Federer-Djokovic face-off, the two champions gave them a teaser by turning up for the doubles. Federer was sporty enough to play both mixed doubles (with Sania) and men's doubles (with Gael Monfils). The penultimate set got Federer and Monfils really into the act. Up against Zimonjic and Djokovic, they jumped all over the court, celebrated each winner as if a lot was at stake.
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