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The Indian Aces celebrate with IPTL trophy after competition ends in Dubai

Image: The Indian Aces: Finished the new competition in top spot

The Indian Aces were crowned as champions of the International Premier Tennis League, despite suffering a 29-15 defeat to UAE Royals in the final match.

After securing the title on Friday, the Delhi-based team could approach the closing encounter in a relaxed mood and Novak Djokovic completed a convincing win for the Royals, who claimed second place in the table.

The world No 1 inflicted a 6-0 defeat on Gael Monfils in the men's singles, but this loss failed to dampen the spirits of the Aces as they celebrated winning the inaugural competition in the last leg in Dubai. 

Ana Ivanovic, one of the triumphant team members, said: "We had many funny moments, lots of good energy in the team and we are thrilled to be champions of the very first IPTL today.

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"There were some moments of high intensity, but it was a lot of fun. It was a great experience for me."  

Royals hit back

Ivanovic had earlier taken a 6-5 win in the women's singles, but Kristina Mladenovic and Nenad Zimonjic hit back for the Royals with a 6-2 victory in the mixed doubles.

The UAE's Goran Ivanisevic played an influential role in the next two clashes, helping Zimonjic to a 6-2 win in the men’s doubles and then edging out fellow ‘legend’ Cedric Pioline 6-5.

Djokovic made short work of Monfils, but the result failed to take the gloss off a successful first campaign for the Aces.

In the earlier match, Manila Mavericks inflicted a crushing 30-15 defeat on the Singapore Slammers.

The Mavericks won every single match-up against the Slammers, who finished rock-bottom in the table.

Philipp Kohlschreiber, a winner in the men’s singles and doubles, said: "I’m very happy to finally be in a team. I'm excited and motivated.

"I think the IPTL is a very thrilling and quick format and I was practicing very hard for the singles, so I’m glad to win."  

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