IPTL: Williams wows as Manila Mavericks salvage win against Singapore Slammers

The Manila Mavericks stamped their class on the Singapore Slammers to salvage one win in the Manila leg of the IPTL tour on Sunday.

“We've had a really good time,” said Andy Murray. “If they'd want me to come back, I'd be back. I've enjoyed the last few days. It was a nice way for me to finish the year. It's a long trip here but everyone made it very easy, they put on a great event. Everyone is involved and the organization did a really good job.”

Mark Philippoussis came in for the final day for the Mavericks, stunning Patrick Rafter with sharp volleys for a 6-2 opening game victory. Jo-Wilfred Tsonga and Treat Huey followed it up with another win for Manila, disposing of the Tomas Berdych and Lleyton Hewitt Tandem. The Mavericks bucked the Slammers' height, as Hewitt subbed out for the taller Nick Kyrgios.

The much-awaited Manila debut of Serena Williams happened in the mixed doubles category, when she partnered with Hewitt to face Kirsten Flipkens and Andy Murray. Murray, who struggled in the mixed doubles with Maria Sharapova, bounced back with a dominating 6-1 victory this time around, benefiting from Flipkens' heady play. Singapore's lone win came in the women's singles category, where a pumped up Williams overpowered Flipkens, 6-3.

“The reception of the crowd has been amazing. Everyone's so nice. Just warming up and hearing the crowd was spectacular and unexpected," said Serena Williams. "I feel honored to feel that. I've never played and been here before. It's good to come to countries like this because you realize we have fans everywhere and we never get to come to places where some of the fans are and forget that you do have fans everywhere. It feels good to have that opportunity.”

The final match pited Andy Murray against Nick Kyrgios. Tied at 5-all, Murray prevented a late Kyrgios rally to take the shootout, 6-7.

“It's nice to finish the weekend with two wins today. It was a good atmosphere at the end," said Murray. "The way that it finished was a nice way for it to end, with the new format.” - GMA News