THE Manila Mavericks remain upbeat of their chances despite the 0-2 start in their campaign in the 2014 Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League (IPTL), presented by Qatar Airways.
Last Saturday night at the Mall of Asia Arena, the hometown Mavericks ran through a brick wall of trouble against the league-leading Micromax Indian Aces, falling via a 15-24 result.
Maria Sharapova, who ended her two-game stint in the four-legged tour with a lone win in the women’s singles against the Musafir.com United Arab Emirates Royals’ Kristina Mladenovic last Friday, said that the experience taught her a lot in a team-centered format.
“It was a great experience coming here to Manila and it was great to be part of such great energy on the court, despite the team losing both days. I felt that all of us had a good time. My favorite thing about the IPTL is the team atmosphere,” Sharapova said.
Nonetheless, Sharapova was very glad of the Manila fans’ reception for her and the entire team during the two days she took the court for match play, and hopes to return to the IPTL next season.
“I felt such a great amount of energy walking out to the court. I really felt the warmth here. I’m very blessed to have good fans who are committed and have followed me through so many years.”
Carlos Moya, who pulled out in the fifth game of the legends singles first set against the Aces’ player-coach Fabrice Santoro due to a groin injury, said that their team stays unfazed despite the rocky start to the tournament.
“[The team spirit is] amazing. It’s a whole different format. I think it’s great, for us, you feel like it’s the Davis Cup and there’s the team spirit and motivating each other. IPTL can become a part of history in tennis.”
Moya, who had never experienced a groin injury in his pro tennis career, had to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan early on Sunday morning and placed him doubtful for their match against the laggard DBS Singapore Slammers late Sunday night.
Image credits: Nonie Reyes