Mavericks resume IPTL drive

MANILA, Philippines - After three successful nights at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Philippine Mavericks resume their drive in the 2015 International Premier Tennis League which hits its third leg today in New Delhi.

As a team, the Mavericks did not lose a match in the Manila leg, treating their home fans with victories over the UAE Royals (29-18), Japan Warriors (25-21) and Indian Aces (25-24).

World number one Serena Williams played inspired tennis for the Mavericks while Mark Philippoussis provided the leadership as the team flew to India with a 4-1 record.

But under the IPTL points system, it’s still the Indian Aces of Rafael Nadal, the reigning champions, who enjoyed the lead with a 3-1 record and 54.36 points.

The Mavericks, who will play at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in India until Saturday minus Williams, are second with 53.69 points.

The UAE Royals will welcome Roger Federer to its lineup today in the hope of living up to their pre-tournament billing. They are in third with 50.21 points on three wins and two losses.

The Singapore Slammers are next with 43.98 points on a 2-3 record while newcomer Japan Warriors are still in search of a first win in five matches for 43.15 points.

“It’s still a long way to go with many more matches ahead,” said Philippousis.

From New Delhi, this year’s IPTL moves to Dubai on Dec. 14 to 16 and then Singapore for the fifth and last stop on Dec. 18 to 20.

Winner gets $1 million and all the bragging rights.

Milos Raonic, who stunned Nadal in the final men’s singles of the Manila leg last Tuesday, will carry the load for the Mavericks, third behind the Aces and Royals last year.