Coca-Cola IPTL: Federer stars in debut as Indian Aces register 26-16 win over Singapore Slammers

Roger Federer won all three sets against the Singapore Slammers

Today was always going to be about just one man: Roger Federer. The 17-time Grand Slam champion made his debut in the Coca-Cola IPTL in front of a packed stadium in Delhi. The Indian Aces faced the Singapore Slammers in the first match on Day 2 of the Indian leg, and came oout comfortable winners.

The spectators couldn’t help but scream on top of their voices when Federer and Pete Sampras entered the court for the first time. Here is how the action unfolded during the tie:

Legends’ singles: Pete Sampras (Indian Aces) vs Pat Rafter (Singapore Slammers)

The match started with 14-time Grand Slam champion Pete Sampras taking on former US Open champion Pat Rafter. Sampras, having travelled all the way from the US, looked visibly jet-lagged. He wasn’t moving very sharply and Rafter made sure he made the most of the opportunity.

Sampras showed some signs of his excellent serve with several aces that touched the ‘T’, but otherwise it was a slow set for the American. Rafter broke Sampras’ serve with a clever use of the Happines Power Point to eventually take the set with ease.

Result: Rafter (Singapore Slammers) beat Sampras (Indian Aces) 6-2.

Mixed doubles: Federer/Mirza (Indian Aces) vs Soares/Hantuchova (Singapore Slammers)

Federer stepped on the court to a huge round of applause from the crowd, as he partnered Sania Mirza for the Aces in the mixed doubles. And much to the local fans’ delight, it was a completely one-sided affar as the Aces pair swept aside Bruno Soares and Daniela Hantuchova.

Nick Kyrgios subbed in for Soares at 0-4 down, but he could do nothing more than stand and observe the Master in all his greatness.

Result: Federer/Mirza (Indian Aces) beat Soares/Hantuchova (Singapore Slammers) 6-0.

Men’s doubles: Federer/Bopanna (Indian Aces) vs Kyrgios/Hewitt (Singapore Slammers)

After an impressive display with Sania Mirza, Federer partnered the other Indian in the Coca-Cola IPTL, Rohan Bopanna. The duo faced the Australian pair of Nick Kyrgios and Lleyton Hewitt.

Once again, it was the Federer show in New Delhi, as he came up with one magical shot after another. Bopanna on his part made some spectacular angled volleys too, justifying his place besides the Swiss champion. The Indian Aces’ paired stormed to victory in the set, giving up just one game in the process.

Result: Federer/Bopanna (Indian Aces) beat Kyrgios/Hewitt (Singapore Slammers) 6-1.

Men’s singles: Roger Federer (Indian Aces) vs Tomas Berdych (Singapore Slammers)

Roger Federer was in action for the third consecutive set. Until the start of this set, the Swiss had dropped only one game, and he showed no signs of fatigue. But Tomas Berdych proved to be a much tougher test than the previous opponents.

After going a break down, Berdych managed to break back to level the scores at 4-4. But Federer then showed just why he is the World No. 2, as he broke the Berdych serve for a second time and then held serve with ease to win his third consecutive set.

Result: Federer (Indian Aces) beat Berdych (Singapore Slammers) 6-4.

Women’s singles: Ana Ivanovic (Indian Aces) vs Daniela Hantuchova (Singapore Slammers)

After Federer’s impressive Coca-Cola IPTL debut, the Aces held a huge lead going into the final set of the match. Serbia’s Ivanovic took on Hantuchova, with both stars heading into the match with confident victories in their previous matches.

Hantuchova broke early on and was in the lead, but Ivanovic fought back to take the match into a shoot-out. Ivanovic ultimately took the shoot-out to finish off an amazing match for the Indian Aces.

Result: Ivanovic (Indian Aces) beat Hantuchova (Singapore Slammers) 6-5.

Indian Aces beat Singapore Slammers 26-16.

If the Indian Aces were front-runners before, with the introduction of Roger Federer, they are certainly hot favourites to win the Happiness Open. With 28 points on board, the Aces are first in the standings, seven points clear of the UAE Royals, who play the Manila Mavericks later today.