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Nadal-backed Aces dispatch Royals in IPTL

Rafa on Manila : “I heard some wonderful things about the IPTL from the players last year. It’s my first time here in Manila, and the crowd has been fantastic.” Dennis Jerome Acosta/Dugout Philippines 
By Alex Cerado

PASAY--Rafael Nadal debut in Manila with a bang after steering Micromax Indian Aces to a huge 30-18 victory over Obi UAE Royals, 30-18, in the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) at the Mall of Asia Arena Monday.

Nadal, who received a rockstar welcome from Filipino fans, took the limelight and finished on top with a 6-3 and 6-5 wins in men’s doubles and singles’ events, respectively.

The current No. 5 player in the world collaborated with Ivan Dodig in the fourth match and breezed past Daniel Nestor and Tomas Berdych, 6-3.

He later escaped Berdych in the final game of the night with a hard-earned triumph against Berdych, 6-5, which delighted Filipino tennis enthusiasts in the venue.

The Aces completed a five-game sweep against Royals, who led the first leg in Kobe last week.

“I heard some wonderful things about the IPTL from the players last year. It’s my first time here in Manila, and the crowd has been fantastic,” the Spanish superstar said.

Nadal also told the press that he was about to play for IPTL last year but his health condition barred him to join the first edition of the league.

“I was looking forward to play last year but had to pull out because of my appendicitis injury,” he reiterated. “It’s a great format, it’s superbly organized.”

Samantha Stosur staged an upset over Ana Ivanovic, 6-3, to lend Micromax a 12- 7 advantage after two sets.

Doubles’ world No. 1 Sania Mirza teamed up with Rohan Bopanna to drub Kristina Mlanedovic and Daniel Nestor of UAE, 6-4.

Playing coach Fabrice Santoro dictated the tempo in his match against veteran Goran Ivanisevic to end up with another 6-3 victory for the Aces.

“It was great to have Nadal join the team today. He was just brilliant and took the format really well,” Santoro said.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @AlexCerado