Djokovic, Royals prevail over Federer, Aces

(This article also appears on manilamavericks.net)

MANILA, Philippines – In the battle between the teams of ATP World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and No. 2 Roger Federer, Djokovic's Musaifr.com UAE Royals prevailed in the final match of the India leg of the International Premier Tennis League late Monday.

Although Djokovic and Federer closed the match in the final set tied at 6-6, the Royals outperformed Federer's Micromax Indian Aces, 29-22.

The Royals took sets one to three of the match.

In the first set, Royals' Kristina Mladenovic prevailed over Ana Ivanovic, 6-5.

Goran Ivanesevic fended off Fabrice Santoro, 6-3, in the second set.

Although Federer played in the third set, it was not enough as he and mixed doubles partner Sania Mirza were overwhelmed by Mladenovic and Nenad Zimonjic, 2-6.

Federer and Gael Monfils got back at Zimonjic and Djokovic in the fourth set, 6-5.

Despite losing the match, the Aces still top the team rankings with 30 points, followed by the Royals and Manila Mavericks with 27 points each. The Singapore Slammers have 17 points.

The tournament will now head to Dubai, UAE for the fourth and final leg. Matches will resume on Dec. 11.