Sunday 14 December 2014 09:13, UK
Novak Djokovic’s UAE Royals emerged with a 29-22 win after the world No 1's first meeting with Rodger Federer and the Indian Aces in the International Premier Tennis League.
The world's top two players served up an exciting singles clash, with Federer winning a shootout to break a 5-5 tie.
Federer then needed to win six straight points to force a super shootout and keep the Aces' hopes alive, but Djokovic claimed the solitary game he needed to secure an overall victory for the Royals.
Earlier in the night, Kristina Mladenovic edged out Ana Ivanovic 6-5 in the opening singles, while the UAE increased their advantage when Goran Ivanisevic claimed a 6-3 win over Fabrice Santoro in the legends' singles.
Federer suffered a loss in his first appearance on court, with Mladenovic and Nenad Zimonic inflicting a 6-2 mixed doubles defeat on the Swiss star and Sania Mirza.
But Gael Monfils forged a more successful partnership with Federer in the men's doubles as they combined for a 6-5 win over Djokovic and Zimonic.
The 33-year-old world No 2 still faced an uphill task in his closing showdown with Djokovic, but produced a determined display as both men swapped some breathtaking passing shots.
Federer whipped the crowd into a frenzy as he somehow kept alive the prospect of a super shootout, but an overhit return allowed the Serb to close out victory.
Despite the defeat, Federer insisted he relished the experience of playing in the unique team format.
"It’s so much fun playing the IPTL," he told Sky Sports. "I’m so happy, I came to Delhi and to finish on a high like this, playing Novak in a very thrilling match.
"I had a wonderful team and playing Novak here in India is very, very special. I really enjoyed it."
