Dubai: The Micromax Indian Aces and the Singapore Slammers looked headed for an engrossing finish with convincing wins over the Philippine Mavericks and UAE Royals respectively on a rain-interrupted second day of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) on Tuesday.
Falling short once again was former world number one and seven-time Dubai champion Roger Federer, going down 6-4 to Andy Murray to end on the losing side for the fourth time in as many attempts in this edition of the IPTL.
Ahead 16-14 at the end of the mixed doubles, Federer’s combination with Marin Cilic fell short for the second time in as many days as the UAE Royals pairing lost 6-4 against Treat Huey and Eduard Roger-Vasselin in the men’s doubles.
Tied at 20-20, it all came down to the Federer versus Murray match. The crowd favourite in Dubai disappointed as Murray broke in the second and held for an early 3-0 lead. Federer mixed up his game well and came up with some lovely shots. But it was too late as Murray broke his Swiss opponent one more time to win 6-4 and help the Slammers to victory.
“It’s tough playing at such pace especially with an opponent like Andy. But I really enjoyed myself out there. I am feeling much better with every match and hopefully I will start winning this year,” Federer said.
The Swiss ace had lost both his matches on Monday as well. But he will be action one more time on the third and final day on Wednesday as the UAE Royals face the Japan Warriors.
“Honestly, I did not fancy my chances of winning because this was my first match. But I think I did sufficiently well tonight and got the points,” Murray said.
Earlier in the day, the Indian Aces had all but sealed their spot for next week’s final with a 24-23 win against the Philippine Mavericks in a rain delayed match.
Result
Obi UAE Royals 24-27 Oue Singapore Slammers
Goran Ivanisevic 4-6 Carlos Moya
Kristina Mladenovic 5-6 Karolina Pliskova
Mladenovic/Nestor 6-3 Bencic/Murray
Cilic/Federer 5-6 Melo/Kyrgios
Federer 4-6 Murray
