5 things the Indian Aces players learned from the Delhi leg

The Delhi Leg of the IPTL was raucous, a celebratory mode hanging over the Indira Gandhi IndoorStadium as the fans got to cheer tennis biggest superstars, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. TheIndian Aces, who lost their undefeated streak after a heartbreaking last point win for PhilippineMavericks at Manila, steamrolled their opponents this time around by massive margins.The home team playedthree matches, one each against Philippine Mavericks, Legendari Japan Warriors and OBI UAERoyals. And not one of those teams even came close to challenging the Aces.Here are five things the Acesplayers would have learnt from the Delhi leg.

#1 There is no substitute for home support

Rafael Nadal was a major pull for the fans for the New Delhi leg of the IPTL

There is a reason why all around the world, teams yearn for home support. There is something amazingly adrenaline-pumping about a loud, noisy home crowd cheering you and egging you on.

That is what the Indian Aces were reminded about as they won their three home games in great style, while receiving warm adulation from the crowd. In fact, the Aces avenged their narrow sudden death loss to the Mavericks in Manila by winning 30-12 in a completely one-sided tie.

Even if one accounts for the fact that the Mavericks were without Milos Raonic, who stunned Nadal in Manila, the bridge was too large to gap - only one set lasted more than 30 minutes. The Aces even put one against UAE Royals who were led by none other than the great Federer himself.

Only Japan Warriors came close to the Aces’ scoreline but even they didn't really put a scare into the home team.

#2 Fabrice Santoro can turn the clock

Fabrice Santoro has looked good in the IPTL

The Aces Legend and coach hasn’t been consistent in the IPTL and had a not-so-impressive record against Mark Philippoussis. But he turned back the clock in Delhi by bringing the big-serving Australian down 6-1 in 22 minutes.

Santoro created and won three break points, had a good 63% first serve compared to Philippoussis' 40, made no double faults compared to the Australian's three and made just four unforced errors compared to the 'Scud's 16. That huge gap virtually sealed the fate of the set as Philippoussis lost despite being an overwhelming favourite.

Santoro also defeated Goran Ivanisevic of OBI UAE Royals 6-5 in one of the longest sets of the season. This, after going down 2-5 at one point during the set, with the Croat looking almost certain to wap things up.

Clearly, Santoro is not only the best defender among the legends, but also arguably the best fighter.

#3 Nadal can give up his defensive game

Rafael Nadal can afford to be a bit more attacking

Consistent with the strategy of the Aces, Nadal had been hitting fewer winners than his opponents, relying instead on their errors. But in the Delhi leg, Nadal consistently hit more winners than his opponents, even overpowering Roger Federer with 12 winners to the latter’s 10.

Against the Swiss great, Nadal was on the mark and the fact that Federer was rusty because of lack of practice showed up in his double faults and unforced errors. Nadal was in the mood and form to cash in on those mistakes, winning the most awaited match of this year’s IPTL, 6-5.

Earlier, the Nadal/Bopanna pair easily outsmarted the Cilic/Federer pair in the doubles too, thanks largely to the Spaniard's offensive volleys from the net.

#4 Radwanska\'s presence is a massive plus

The addition of Agnieszka Radwanska proved to be a fruitful one for the Aces

Samantha Stosur had struggled in the first two legs of the season, giving some worries to the Santoro-led team. But for the Delhi leg, World No. 5 Agnieszka Radwanska joined the Indian Aces and showed her red hot form by winning all three sets in fine style.

She defeated Jarmila Gajdosova of the Mavericks 6-1 in 17 minutes, which was understandable considering Gajdosova is almost 100 ranks below Radwanska. The Pole then won 6-2 against Kurumi Nara, largely owing to the latter’s unforced errors and low first serve percentage.

Radwanska, who recently won the WTA Shot of the Year Award for the third time in a row, then defeated Kristina Mladenovic 6-1 in 20 minutes in a tie that saw the Aces beat the Royals by a massive 11-game margin.

The deft touches and smart defence of tennis' 'Ninja' clearly gave a massive advantage to the home team.

#5 Unbeaten streaks can come to an end

Ivan Dodig lost in his singles as well doubles set against the Warriors

Before the Delhi leg, Ivan Dodig was the only Indian Aces player who was unbeaten. He didn’t get a set against Mavericks but played the two against Warriors in the singles and doubles in place of Nadal.

Against the Warriors, Dodig lost the singles 3-6 as well as the doubles 5-6 while paired up with Rohan Bopanna. Nadal then came back to replace him against Royals and the Nadal/Bopanna pair managed to win against the fancied pair of Marin Cilic and Roger Federer.

Dodig might play more once Nadal departs, but the two losses would have definitely dented his confidence a bit after a rollicking start to the season.