IPTL: Singapore Slammers Vs Manila Mavericks - Preview

Serena Williams should play an important role to help Singapore Slammers register their first win

The DBS Singapore Slammers are lying at the bottom of the points table after losing all their three matches in the Manila leg of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL). The Slammers will look for a change in fortunes in front of the home crowd against the Manila Mavericks.

The Mavericks have one victory from three matches and that win came against the Slammers in the last match in Manila.

Men’s Singles

It will be interesting to see who takes to the court for the Slammers in this set. Tomas Berdych, Lleyton Hewitt and Nick Kyrgios have played a game apiece so far. For the Mavericks, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will feature in his first singles set of the tournament. The Frenchman had a decent year on the tour with an ATP 1000 Masters win in Toronto. Tsonga will rely on his powerful forehands coupled with big first serves against his opponent.

Women’s Singles

Serena Williams played her first match on the third day of competition in Manila. She had a comfortable 6-1 victory over Kirsten Flipkens. The American is in top form after winning the US Open and the WTA Finals in Singapore. Flipkens will need to be at her best to have any chances of causing an upset at the Singapore Indoor stadium.

Men’s Doubles

Doubles veteran Daniel Nestor is expected to play his first doubles match after Tsonga’s shift to the singles action. He will partner Treat Huey in tonight’s match. Hewitt is expected to partner Berdych/Kyrgios for this set. The Mavericks have a slight advantage in this match thanks to the doubles experience of Nestor and Huey.

Mixed Doubles

Nestor will continue in this set with Flipkens as his partner. Flipkens and Andy Murray had an easy 6-1 win over the pair of Williams and Hewitt in their last meeting. The American is an accomplished doubles player and is expected to put up a better show with her partner in today’s match.

Legends Singles

Andre Agassi will make his debut in the IPTL as he takes on Australian Mark Philippoussis. Agassi hasn’t played competitive tennis for some time and it will be interesting to see how the American copes up against the wily Philippoussis. The Aussie replaced the injured Carlos Moya in their last match against the Slammers. He beat his compatriot Pat Rafter 6-2. The Slammers are going into this match as the favorites given the form of Philippoussis.