Philippine Mavericks overcame Indian Aces by a single point, with Rafael Nadal losing out in a tense finale with Milos Raonic on day three of the International Premier Tennis League in Manila.
Rafa made a winning start on Monday, helping the defending champions to an impressive 30-18 victory over UAE Royals. He carried his form into the men’s doubles on Tuesday, triumphing alongside Ivan Dodig, but the overall scores were level at 19-19 ahead of his decider with Raonic.
Raonic battled from behind against Rafa to force a shootout, which he won 7-6 to earn the Mavericks a slender 25-24 victory and inflict the Aces first loss in the competition – though they remain top of the table.
After the match, Rafa said:
I loved the energy out there today. I had my chances, it could have gone either ways, but it was a great match. It was a great afternoon. Great tennis. I had the final point for the Aces but I came back 2 breaks down during the set. And he played great and I missed him by two forehands at the end. But it was great fantastic energy out there and I enjoyed the crowd. I enjoyed playing the doubles too, Ivan is a fantastic doubles player and I play singles well, so it was a good combination.
Spain’s Rafael Nadal, left, of the Indian Aces hits a forehand as he teams up with Croatias Ivan Dodig during the men’s doubles match against Philippine Mavericks’ Richard Gasquet and Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France in the 2015 International Premier Tennis League Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena at suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. The Indian Aces won. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal, foreground, of the Indian Aces celebrates a point with teammate Ivan Dodig, right, of Croatia during the men’s doubles match against Philippine Mavericks’ Richard Gasquet and Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France in the 2015 International Premier Tennis League Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena at suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. The Indian Aces won. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
El tenista español Rafael Nadal (c), del equipo Indian Aces, celebra con sus compañeros tras vencer en el equipo de dobles masculino durante la segunda vuelta de la Premier League Internacional de Tenis (IPTL) en el pabellón Mall of Asia Arena de Manila (Filipinas) hoy, 8 de diciembre de 2015. La liga reúne a cinco equipos con tenistas tanto en activo como retirados. EFE/Francis R. Malasig
Spain’s Rafael Nadal of the Indian Aces pumps his fist to celebrate a point against Canada’s Milos Raonic of the Philippine Mavericks during the men’s singles match of the 2015 International Premier Tennis League Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena at suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. Nadal won the thrilling shootout 6-5 (7/6). (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal of the Indian Aces celebrates a point over Canada’s Milos Raonic of the Philippine Mavericks during the men’s singles match of the 2015 International Premier Tennis League Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena at suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. Nadal won the thrilling shootout 6-5 (7/6). (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal of the Indian Aces returns a two-fisted backhand to Canada’s Milos Raonic of the Philippine Mavericks during the men’s singles match of the 2015 International Premier Tennis League Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena at suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. Nadal won the thrilling shootout 6-5 (7/6). (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal of the Indian Aces returns a shot to Canada’s Milos Raonic of the Philippine Mavericks during the men’s singles match of the 2015 International Premier Tennis League Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena at suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. Nadal won the thrilling shootout 6-5 (7/6). (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal of the Indian Aces returns a shot to Canada’s Milos Raonic of the Philippine Mavericks during the men’s singles match of the 2015 International Premier Tennis League Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, at the Mall of Asia Arena at suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. Nadal won the thrilling shootout 6-5 (7/6). (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
El tenista español Rafael Nadal, del equipo Indian Aces, se lamenta ante el canadiense Milos Raonic, de los Philippine Maverics, durante la segunda vuelta de la Premier League Internacional de Tenis (IPTL) en el pabellón Mall of Asia Arena de Manila (Filipinas) hoy, 8 de diciembre de 2015. La liga reúne a cinco equipos con tenistas tanto en activo como retirados. EFE/Francis R. Malasig
El tenista español Rafael Nadal, del equipo Indian Aces, celebra ante el canadiense Milos Raonic, de los Philippine Maverics, durante la segunda vuelta de la Premier League Internacional de Tenis (IPTL) en el pabellón Mall of Asia Arena de Manila (Filipinas) hoy, 8 de diciembre de 2015. La liga reúne a cinco equipos con tenistas tanto en activo como retirados. EFE/Francis R. Malasig
El tenista español Rafael Nadal, del equipo Indian Aces, celebra ante el canadiense Milos Raonic, de los Philippine Maverics, durante la segunda vuelta de la Premier League Internacional de Tenis (IPTL) en el pabellón Mall of Asia Arena de Manila (Filipinas) hoy, 8 de diciembre de 2015. La liga reúne a cinco equipos con tenistas tanto en activo como retirados. EFE/Francis R. Malasig
El tenista español Rafael Nadal, del equipo Indian Aces, celebra ante el canadiense Milos Raonic, de los Philippine Maverics, durante la segunda vuelta de la Premier League Internacional de Tenis (IPTL) en el pabellón Mall of Asia Arena de Manila (Filipinas) hoy, 8 de diciembre de 2015. La liga reúne a cinco equipos con tenistas tanto en activo como retirados. EFE/Francis R. Malasig
El tenista español Rafael Nadal, del equipo Indian Aces, celebra ante el canadiense Milos Raonic, de los Philippine Maverics, durante la segunda vuelta de la Premier League Internacional de Tenis (IPTL) en el pabellón Mall of Asia Arena de Manila (Filipinas) hoy, 8 de diciembre de 2015. La liga reúne a cinco equipos con tenistas tanto en activo como retirados. EFE/Francis R. Malasig
El tenista español Rafael Nadal, del equipo Indian Aces, celebra una buena jugada ante el canadiense Milos Raonic, de los Philippine Maverics, durante la segunda vuelta de la Premier League Internacional de Tenis (IPTL) en el pabellón Mall of Asia Arena de Manila (Filipinas) hoy, 8 de diciembre de 2015. La liga reúne a cinco equipos con tenistas tanto en activo como retirados. EFE/Francis R. Malasig
El tenista español Rafael Nadal, del equipo Indian Aces, celebra una buena jugada ante el canadiense Milos Raonic, de los Philippine Maverics, durante la segunda vuelta de la Premier League Internacional de Tenis (IPTL) en el pabellón Mall of Asia Arena de Manila (Filipinas) hoy, 8 de diciembre de 2015. La liga reúne a cinco equipos con tenistas tanto en activo como retirados. EFE/Francis R. Malasig
Spain’s Rafael Nadal of the Indian Aces celebrates his win over Canada’s Milos Raonic of the Philippine Mavericks during the men’s singles match of the 2015 International Premier Tennis League Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, at the Mall of Asia Arena at suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. Nadal won the thrilling shootout 6-5 (7/6). (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal of the Indian Aces autographs large tennis balls of Filipino fans following his win over Canada’s Milos Raonic of the Philippine Mavericks in the men’s singles match of the 2015 International Premier Tennis League Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena at suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. Nadal won the thrilling shootout 6-5 (7/6). (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal of the Indian Aces autographs large tennis balls for Filipino fans following his win over Canada’s Milos Raonic of the Philippine Mavericks in the men’s singles match of the 2015 International Premier Tennis League Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena at suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. Nadal won the thrilling shootout 6-5 (7/6). (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
Sources: yahoo.com, iptlworld.com
Thank you, Rafa, for coming to the Philippines and showing your millions of adoring fans here that magnificent tennis can be played while having a good time by a great champion. We love to welcome you back next year!
It seem a lot of fun enjoy it while your there.Glennis Isle of Man
Good match. The most important thing was to see how you enjoyed yourself. You were all smiles.
Great team effort. .
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee you Rafa.💖 always. As I always said , wud love to see you in person.
And just wanna hold your hand once. It is my lifetime wish.
I hope it is fulfilled someday.
Home late from work so watched recording, so close and Rafael really enjoying himself. Great doubles with Ivan.
Just enjoy your time there. Vamos Rafa <3
Én nagyon örülök, hogy Rafa ilyen jól játszott. Ő még most kezdett ezzel a rendszerrel megismerkedni. Az biztos, hogy Ő maga is nagyon élvezte. Rafát játszani látni a pályán mindennél többet jelent!!!!