Rafael Nadal loses, Indian Aces suffer first IPTL loss

Omnisports

December 8, 2015 2:41 AM

Rafael Nadal was beaten by a single point against Milos Raonic, with the Indian Aces defeated for the first time in the IPTL by Philippine Mavericks.

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Philippine Mavericks overcame Indian Aces by a single point, with Rafael Nadal losing out in a tense finale with Milos Raonic on day three of the International Premier Tennis League in Manila.

The Spaniard made a winning start on Monday, helping the defending champions to an impressive 30-18 victory over UAE Royals.

Nadal carried his form into the men's doubles on Tuesday, triumphing alongside Ivan Dodig, but the overall scores were level at 19-19 ahead of his decider with Raonic.

The world number 14 Canadian battled from behind against the 29-year-old to force a shootout, which he won 7-6 to earn the Mavericks a slender 25-24 victory and inflict the Aces first loss in the competition - though they remain top of the table.

Tomas Berdych recovered from defeat in the men's doubles to beat Nick Kyrgios and earn the Royals a 26-23 win over Singapore Slammers.

Ana Ivanovic edged out Karolina Pliskova in the opening set, with the Royals' first defeat coming when Berdych and Daniel Nestor were comprehensively beaten 6-2 by Kyrgios and Marcelo Melo.

However, Czech Berdych made sure of the win, beating the Australian, who produced four aces, 6-4 in 25 minutes to put the Royals back in the hunt with their third triumph.

"It was a great match, we're very happy to have won. Nick has a big serve, and I managed to play him really well," Berdych said.

"We're back in the fight and it's great to finish with a win in Manila. Let's bring all the good energy to India."

Omnisports