UAE Royals' former World No. 1 Ana IvanovicThe OBI UAE Royals probably have the best squad in the IPTL this year. Roger Federer, who contributed significantly to the Indian Aces' victory last year, will now play for the Royals, which gives the Dubai-based franchise an immediate boost.Given the high spirits Federer is usually in when not competing intensely at the Grand Slams, there is bound to be magic on the courts when he arrives. And the UAE Royals is also probably the most adored team - no offense to the rest - with the right mix of talent, charm and cult following amongst the audience.So let's prepare ourselves for the fireworks the Royals players are likely to unleash, by looking back at some magical moments from their careers in recent times.
#5 Tomas Berdych
Berdych is not usually amongst the most expressive of players. But when he plays like this he doesn’t need to express much. This point will easily qualify as one of the greatest winners of the year, for the sheer stubbornness with which he pulled off one brilliant shot after another.
Facing Novak Djokovic in Dubai this year, Berdych first stretched and picked up a laser backhand fired to his right, very close to the baseline. Then he reached a drop shot close to the net and bunted it down the line. Finally, he ran back to deal with a lob, overtook the ball, turned and hammered a forehand past Djokovic, much to the shock of everyone watching.
#4 Marin Cilic
Under Goran Ivanisevics guidance, Cilic has been making great progress, working on his movement to complement his big serve. Here, the Croat shows his surprisingly nimble footwork across the court, going from one end to another and then pulling out a great lob on the move.
The shot was perfectly placed on the back edge of the baseline, which left his opponent Stan Wawrinka stranded and desondent.
#3 Ana Ivanovic
In tennis, players generally apologise when they win a point after the ball hits the net and changes course. Here though, Ivanovic doesnt need apologies because she pulls out some sheer brilliance in the face of terrible misfortune.
The Serb had come up to the net to attack, but Camila Giorgis backhand caught the tape and lobbed up in a completely different direction. Ivanovic stopped, swivelled around, got to the ball, and placed it beautifully with a double-fisted backhand to Giorgis right, who was left stunned and in no position to return it.
Then Ivanovic blushed after the tremendous piece of improvisation, as if tennis fans didnt find her adorable enough already!
#2 Goran Ivanisevic
Wimbledons greatest wildcard entrant showed his desperation in that epic tournament when he unfurled this jaw-dropping winner. In the semifinals, Tim Henman hit a meek volley off a strong return from Ivanisevic, but the Croat slipped on the slick baseline grass as he tried to finish the point.
Almost miraculously, while crouched on his knees, Ivanisevic smashed a forehand down the line for a winner. It was an incredible shot from a mercurial player who has always entertained, whether it is with his antics, his anger or with his massive serves.
#1 Roger Federer
His fans have been waiting patiently for the final hurrah, preferably in the form of another Grand Slam. They believe it is possible even against the in-form players like Djokovic, Wawrinka, Murray and Nadal because of the brilliance he keeps producing consistently even at the twilight of his career.
The point below is a classic example of Federer’s smooth, impeccably free-flowing tennis. After a brilliant exchange, Federer pulls out three stunners. First he reaches a ball wide to his right, gets it back into play, then stretches to the left for another impossible get, and finally hammers a forehand down the line on the run, way beyond Djokovic’s reach, to win the point.
Bonus:
This for some is probably the Shot of the Century, because of the occasion and the opponent. It is the iconic between-the-legs shot or 'tweener' that Federer has trademarked in recent times, the only difference being that this one actually became a stunning crosscourt winner.
*Falls into flat-on-the-ground adulation posture*
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