Hyderabad Aces notched up a convincing 25-19 win over V Chennai Warriors in the Champions Tennis League at the LB Stadium here on Monday. This was Hyderabad’s second win in three matches and Chennai’s third straight loss.
The only consolation for the visitors came when Fernando Verdasco prevented a whitewash by winning the men’s singles contest, the final match of the evening, defeating the big-serving Ivo Karlovic 5-4, via the tie-breaker.
Good startIn Legend’s singles, Thomas Johansson provided a winning start for the hosts with a 5-3 win over Rainer Schuttler. The former Australian Open champion, serving well and showing better court coverage, came up with some solid ground strokes and crosscourt winners. Though Schuttler fired an ace and got his big serve in to make it 2-3, Johansson closed out the contest with some classy returns.
Martina Hingis, much to the delight of her teammates as well as the fans, outsmarted Heather Watson 5-2.
Though there was little to choose between the two — it was 2-2 at that stage — Hingis pulled ahead with a series of stunning crosscourt winners. While Watson faltered with her returns as the match progressed, Hingis came up with some brilliant shots. The Swiss wrapped up the match with a trademark backhand passing shot.
Soon, she was back on court for the mixed doubles match where she combined with the big-serving Ivo Karlovic to down Verdasco and Watson 5-4(1). Hingis excelled with some wonderful interceptions at the net to complement the solid Karlovic.
The Aces’ men’s duo of Karlovic and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan edged out Verdasco and J. Vishnu Vardhan 5-4(3) before Verdasco salvaged some pride for the Chennai outfit.
The results: Hyderabad Aces 25 bt V Chennai Warriors 19 (Thomas Johansson bt Rainer Schuttler 5-3; Martina Hingis bt Heather Watson 5-2; Ivo Karlovic & Hingis bt Fernando Verdasco & Watson 5-4; Karlovic & Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan bt Verdasco & J. Vishnu Vardhan 5-4; Karlovic lost to Verdasco 4-5).
