It was a successful three-day tennis event for the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League that was launched in Manila. The IPTL is composed of four teams representing four Asian Cities -- the Manila Mavericks, the Micromax Indian Aces, the UAE Royals and the Singapore Slammers.
I arrived early on the first day and the crowd attendance at the gates was overwhelming. I met people who traveled to Manila from Cebu, Batangas and Leyte. It was a wonderful gathering of tennis enthusiasts from all over the Philippines.
I was one of the first to enter the arena and see the tennis court where the top players are to serve, smash and rally in the next three days.
THE TEAMS
Manila Mavericks
- Andy Murray
- Maria Sharapova
- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
- Kirsten Flipkens
- Daniel Nestor
- Treat Huey
- Carlos Moya
Micromax Indian Aces
- Gael Monfils
- Ana Ivanovic
- Rohan Bopanna
- Sania Mirza
- Fabrice Santoro
- Serena Williams
- Tomas Berdych
- Lleyton Hewitt
- Daniela Hantuchova
- Nick Kyrgios
- Bruno Soares
- Patrick Rafter
Musafir.com UAE Royals
- Marin Cilic
- Nenad Zimonjic
- Kristina Mladenovic
- Goran Ivanisevic
Gael Monfils warming up
It has been my dream to watch my tennis idols play live but it is very expensive to travel. Thanks to IPTL Director Mahesh Bhupathi for bringing the league to Manila. I've been reading a lot of skepticism from twitter about the IPTL but with the success of the IPTL Manila leg, I'm sure people will start embracing this newest addition to the tennis tournaments.
The IPTL has introduced an exciting new format. The match is comprised of five sets with one game for each set -- Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Men's Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Past Champions' Singles.
The Happiness Power Point adds excitement to the game. Each team are given one Power Point every set. The team is allowed to use the Power Point when receiving serve. The Power Point will award the team two points for winning game.
Maria Sharapova for the Manila Mavericks
The IPTL also uses the "No-Advantage" Scoring. This is an alternative tennis scoring system created by James Van Alen to make sure that the game time is shorten.
Mixed Doubles won by Micromax Indian Aces Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna against Singapore Slammers Daniela Hantuchova and Bruno Soares on Day One.
The Philippines love Serena Williams!!! I just went crazy when she entered the court! I was never able to get up close but seeing her play and win is the highlight of my 2014.
Gael Monfils has shown Manila that he's not only a great tennis player but also a good dancer. I wasn't able to have my giant ball signed by Monfils but I was able to snap this picture :)
Rohan Bopanna signing the balls and I guess I'm just not lucky when it comes to asking for autographs.
Gael Monfils, Sania Mirza, Fabrice Santoro (Head Coach), Ana Ivanovic and Rohan Bopanna
The Micromax Indian Aces is the big winner!
Official IPTL Merchandise were sold at the Mall of Asia Arena. People were flocking the kiosks even after last night's tournament. The merchandise are reasonably priced and are of good quality.
We bought dri-fit t-shirts and the giant Head tennis ball.
Head Tennis Be a #gameraiser
Head is the official ball sponsor of the International Premier Tennis League
K-Swiss tennis apparel
PLDT Home Fibr
Maria Sharapova for Rouge
The International Premier Tennis League that took place in Manila has proved that it has a surprisingly huge following in a country that is dominated by basketball and boxing fans. I am already looking forward to the IPTL next year.