IPTL: Marin Cilic helps UAE Royals to secure victory over Manila Mavericks
Friday 5 December 2014 12:17, UK
Marin Cilic defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as UAE Royals completed a 26-21 victory over the Manila Mavericks in the International Premier Tennis League.
The Croat claimed a 6-4 win over Tsonga, while Kristina Mladenovic wrapped up victory in the women’s singles to ensure the Royals stayed in touch with the table's pacesetters.
Mark Philippoussis made a winning start for Manila, claiming a 6-5 victory over Goran Ivanisevic, but Cilic hit back before Tsonga gained a measure of revenge in the men’s doubles.
Partnering Treat Huey, the Frenchman helped to secure a 6-3 win over Cilic and Nenad Zimonjic.
But Mladenovic played a key role for the Royals, firstly partnering Zimonjic to a 6-1 win over Daniel Nestor and Kirsten Flipkens in the mixed doubles.
She then ended any hopes of a Manila fight back with a 6-4 win over Flipkens in the final encounter.
Tsonga is relishing the challenge of the new competition, despite suffering defeat.
“We’re having a lot of fun, the whole team’s playing well and we’re enjoying it,” he told iptlworld.com.
“The format is great, it is a lot of fun to play, there is a lot of energy during each tie, we are a little bit tired, but it’s very exciting and it’s good to be part of it because it’s a success and is going to stay for a long time.”
