6 things you probably didn't know about the Indian Aces players

It is easy to lose ourselves amidst the quality of tennis on display thanks to the stars who are involved with the IPTL. It is easy to get carried away with facts, figures, number of Grand Slams and trophies. However, at the core, most players in the IPTL are extremely talented in more ways than one.Some could have had a highly successful alternate career as well. There are admirable things about each of the Indian Aces players, for example, which most of us do not know until we actually rummage through the internet to learn.(For tickets to the Indian Aces matches, click here).In an attempt to understand the Aces players further, we take a look at some of the lesser known facts about these players; facts which will impress you and help you appreciate their tennis even more.

#1 Gael Monfils is a brilliant dancer and an NBA fan

Monfils, nicknamed La Monf, wears his heart on his sleeves. Called the ‘Sliderman’ for his distinctive sliding technique on court, the Frenchman has a very colourful resume.

A big fan of the Denver Nuggets, Monfils has also appeared in a music video called ‘Hello’. But the fan favourite and athletics prodigy gave his fans a lot more to cheer when he did the famous dance battle or dance-off on Kids’ Day, a day before the 2014 French Open began.

And boy, did he have some really cool moves, as matched steps with compatriot Laurent Lokoli!

#2 Fabrice Santoro is also referred to as the Magician

Fabrice Santoro is a very skillful player on the court, with a lot of unpredictable moves up his sleeve

Santoro, who holds the world record for most Grand Slam appearances – 70 – is also referred to as ‘The Magician’ for his unreal skills with the racquet. Marat Safin has repeatedly spoken about how hard it is to face the Frenchman, who is also doubling up as coach of the Aces for IPTL.

Santoro got his nickname thanks to his incredible trick shots that seem inconceivable to others. He is one of the few players who is right-handed but can pull off incredible left-handed shots, not to mention the strong double-handed forehand and backhand he possesses.

Here’s a video that showcases some of the best points played by Santoro over the years:

#3 Sania Mirza was named one of the 50 Heroes of Asia

Sania Mirza has had to overcome a lot of adversity to reach the heights she is at currently

For her contribution to society, a still young Sania Mirza was named by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the 50 Heroes of Asia. Seven years later she was also listed as one of the ‘33 Women who made India Proud.’

An unfortunate phase in Sania’s life saw a fatwa being issued against her name, as there were objections in her community against her outfits. An upset Sania had then decided to never play for the country.

That would have been a great loss for the nation considering she did come back to win several laurels representing India, including success at all Grand Slams and gold at the Asian Games. She is also the first woman from South Asia to become a UN Goodwill Ambassador.

#4 Rohan Bopanna was part of a peace project called \'The IndoPak Express\'

The duo of Bopanna and Qureshi did well during their time as partners

Rohan Bopanna is one-half of the doubles pair that is referred to as the ‘IndoPak Express’. Bopanna frequently partnered Pakistan player Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi, who he has referred to as an extremely close buddy time and time again.

The duo won several Challenger titles and even broke into the top 10 of the doubles’ ranking in 2010. The two of them also reached the finals of the US Open in 2010, eventually losing to the Bryan brothers in a tightly fought contest.

Bopanna and Qureshi created a campaign called “Stop War Start Tennis” to bring India and Pakistan together. They eventually parted ways in 2014 after results didn’t quite go their way.

#5 Sam Stosurs fight against Lyme disease

Samantha Stosur showed great courage to come back from Lyme disease

Samantha Stosur is a respected doubles specialist who had brief success on the singles circuit as well – she won the 2010 US Open by defeating Serena Williams. But one day during the 2007 Wimbledon Championships she woke with a lump on the side of her neck.

Initial tests didn’t reveal anything. However, she went to several doctors after a large number of other symptoms showed up soon, and eventually she was diagnosed with Lyme disease.

The ailment made her take some time off from tennis. but thanks to good care from her doctors and medication, she was slowly able to make it back to the court. There’s no doubting the fighting spirit of the Australian, that’s for sure!

#6 Rafael Nadal has a sports school in India - and is afraid of dogs!

Rafael Nadal during his visit to Anantapur, India

Rafael Nadal, the marquee player of the Indian Aces, has always had a bit of a connection with India. He played in Chennai twice during his early career days, most memorably producing a classic match against countryman Carlos Moya in the 2007 semifinals.

But Nadal is also a humanitarian, and he has set up a sports academy – the ‘RDT-Rafa Nadal Education & Sports School in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, to help underprivileged kids. This is part of the Rafa Nadal Foundation, which seeks to promote education and sports training among kids all over the world, with special focus on underprivileged and disabled children.

And oh, there’s another thing that not many know about Nadal – he is afraid of dogs! In his autobiography ‘Rafa’, the 14-time Grand Slam champion wrote about dogs, “I doubt their intentions.” Maybe the Spaniard’s opponents should wear canine masks to the court, just to put Rafa off his game!