LEGENDARY Rafael Nadal was at his energetic best in his two wins as rampaging Indian Aces continued their sparkling run in the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) with a 30-12 rout of the Philippines Mavervicks, on the opening day of the Indian leg of the event.
Nadal, the 14-time Grand Slam winner, combined with India's Rohan Bopanna to win the men's doubles before closing the contest with a reasonably comfortable win in the men's singles over French opponent Edouard Roger-Vasselin, who is a doubles specialist.
Before that, Bopanna and Sania Mirza started off in brilliant fashion by crushing the Mavericks combo of Treat Huey and Ajla Tomljanovic 6-2.
The mixed doubles Indian pair proved too hot to handle for the visitors. Sania's fierce forehand and calculated serves was a treat to watch for the home fans.
It was Sania's backhand winner when Tomljanovic was serving that sealed the opening set for the defending champions.
World No 5 and WTA year-end Finale champion Agnieszka Radwanska then recorded another dominating triumph over Jarmila Gajdosova. After two sets, the Indian team was leading 12-3. The gap was too big and Fabrice Santoro widened it beyond reach of the rivals with his 6-1 win over Mark Philippoussis.
That win of the French player all but sealed the fate of the Philippines team and the next two matches were a mere a formality.
There was some contest in the men's doubles match between Nadal-Bopanna and Huey and Roger-Vasselin but it was the home team that prevailed 6-4.
The last match of the day between Nadal and Roger-Vasselin was to decide only the margin of victory for the defending champions. Nadal came out all guns blazing to beat his rival 6-4. The Spaniard southpaw was leading 4-1 at one stage and Roger-Vasselin stopped it from becoming a no-contest with his gritty fight.
It was the fourth win for Indian Aces in five matches and they continue to sit on top of the points table.
