THE Manila Mavericks only had an inspiring Maria Sharapova victory to show on Friday as they lost to the UAE Royals, 29-24, at the conclusion of Day One of the International Premier Tennis League at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Sharapova defeated Kristina Mladenovic, 6-5, in the women’s singles match to the delight of the Filipino crowd, but the win turned out to be the lone bright spot for her team as Goran Ivanisevic, US Open champion Marin Cilic, Mladenovic and Zimonjic carved out contrasting victories for the Royals to clinch the tie.
Ivanisevic defeated Carlos Moya, 6-5, in the legends’ singles, while Cilic and Nenad Zimonjic beat Filipino bet Treat Huey and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, 6-4, in the men's doubles.
Sharapova also lost in her mixed doubles match with Andy Murray against Mladenovic and Zimonjic, 6-4. Murray also dropped the men’s singles match to Cilic, 6-5.
“It wasn’t great for us tonight but we will try to comeback,” said Huey, the playing coach of the Mavericks.
The Royals joined the Indian Aces in winning the first of three ties of the Manila leg of the meet.
The Mavericks will take on the Ana Ivanovic-led Micromax Indian Aces on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. also at the MOA.
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