IPTL Match 1 - Micromax Indian Aces vs DBS Singapore Slammers preview

The first leg of the IPTL is set to begin today

With the first leg of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) kicking off, let us preview the first match between the Micromax Indian Aces and the DBS Singapore Slammers.

The unfortunate news is that both Roger Federer and Pete Sampras will not be taking part in the Manila leg for the Indian Aces, while Serena Williams will not be taking part for the Singapore Slammers.

Men's Singles: Gael Monfils vs Tomas Berdych

In the men’s singles set of the first match of the IPTL, World No. 7 Berdych faces World No. 18 Monfils.

Tomas Berdych has had a year just like any other, while Monfils has had a decent year with a few notable performances. He comes into this tournament looking strong after demolishing Roger Federer in the Davis Cup.

Head to Head: Berdych leads 3-1.

Previous meeting: Roland Garros 2013 first Round: Gael Monfils won 7-6(8), 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5

Women's Singles: Ana Ivanovic vs Daniela Hantuchova

In the women’s singles, we will see World No. 5 Ivanovic taking on World No. 63 Daniela Hantuchova. Ivanovic’s best result in Grand Slams this year has been a quarterfinal showing in Melbourne. Hantuchova on the other hand has had a terrible season, with disappointing results in singles at the Majors.

Head to Head: Ivanovic leads 6-2

Previous meeting: Doha 2014 Round 1: Ivanovic won 7-5, 1-0 retd.

Men's doubles: Monfils/Bopanna vs Soares/Hewitt

In this men's doubles set, we have these four players who have never partnered each other before. It's going to be an exciting and interesting game with two doubles specialists on either side of the court (Soares and Bopanna) with their respective partners (Hewitt and Monfils ) being singles specialists.

Head to Head: None

Previous meeting: None

Mixed doubles: Sania/Bopanna vs Soares/Hantuchova

This is going to be a really close set with all four players being doubles specialists and all of them except Rohan Bopanna being mixed doubles Grand Slam champions in the past. In fact, Sania Mirza and Bruno Soares won the US Open 2014 mixed doubles championships, so it is going to be an interesting affair when both of them face off against each other.

Head to Head: None

Previous meeting: None

Legends’ singles: Fabrice Santoro vs Patrick Rafter

With the absence of Pete Sampras, Santoro will be filling in and taking on 42-year-old two-time Grand Slam champion Rafter. Santoro might not have made his mark on the big stage, but he will have a slight edge over Rafter considering the physical fitness and age of the two players.

Head to Head: 1-1.

Previous meeting: Canada 2001 semifinal: Rafter won 6-2, 6-2.