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IPTL: Novak Djokovic debut can't prevent Royals defeat

Novak Djokovic of the UAE Royals makes his debut as his he sits on the team bench talking to Nenad Zimonjic before their match
Image: Novak Djokovic: Made his debut in the IPTL for the UAE Royals

World No 1 Novak Djokovic couldn't prevent his International Premier Tennis League side the UAE Royals suffering defeat in Delhi on Sunday.

The Royals clashed with the formidable Manila Mavericks in a critical encounter, which ended in a 27-24 win for the Mavericks.

Unbeaten former champion Mark Philippoussis met Royal Goran Ivanisevic in a spirited first set. Continuing his
winning streak for the Mavericks, Philippoussis built a comfortable lead and won the set 6-3.

In the men’s singles, Marin Cilic came up against Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. A closely fought contest reached an exciting five minute shoot-out, which Cilic won to claim the set 6-5 and bring the Royals back into the contest.

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In a move that thrilled fans, IPTL debutant Djokovic replaced Cilic to partner Nenad Zimonjic in the men’s doubles against Tsonga and Daniel Nestor. The Mavericks went into the lead, but were then broken by the Royals to level scores. Tsonga and Nestor won a shoot-out to claim the set 6-5.

Then Kirsten Flipkens partnered Nestor to close in on the Mavericks’ overall lead. Playing against Zimonjic and
Kristina Mladenovic, the duo put up an impressive display of teamwork and exciting rallies to win 6-2.

In the women’s singles, world No 8 Caroline Wozniacki met Flipkens in a closely contested set with several exciting rallies. Wozniacki gradually brought the Royals back into the match but went down 8-4 to Flipkens after overtime.

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After the match Wozniaki said: "Today’s match against Kirsten was not an easy one but I’m happy with the way I played. The format is very quick and different compared to normal tennis.”

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