Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were not a part of the Japan stop on the International Premier Tennis League circuit, but they will be making their presences felt soon enough.
Federer will play for the UAE Royals in New Delhi, Dubai, and Singapore. New Delhi, the third leg of the tour, is hosting the action from December 10 through 12. Dubai takes center stage December 14-16 and Singapore wraps up the proceedings from December 18 through 20.
Nadal will preceded Federer on the schedule as the fifth-ranked Spaniard is suiting up for duty with the Indian Aces this weekend in Manila.
Novak Djokovic, who had been scheduled to make a second straight IPTL appearance, ended up pulling out due to fatigue. The recent World Tour Finals champion–and winner of just about everything else dating back to the start of the U.S. Open–was penciled in as the marquee name on the Singapore Slammers.
“I had a great experience in the inaugural edition of the IPTL and was eagerly looking forward to playing in the second season, especially in front of the home crowd in Singapore,” Djokovic explained. “It’s been a long year for me and my body needs some extra time to recover. I wish the team the very best and will join them next year.”
The Slammers wasted no time in finding suitable replacements for the world No. 1 in the form of Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka.
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Goran is closing the gap! I am liking this. It should be very close when Roger and Rafa play
Roger and Rafa will be there in the doubles too, as expected. Can’t wait!
Absolute magic from Santoro! this came out of nowhere.
Bopanna-Nadal vs Federer-Cilic ! oooo tough one for Rafa and Bopanna!
Koenig and Godall wondering whether nadal federer have ever squared off in a doubles match. Of course they have, twice! it is 1-1. Once rafa-Moya beat Fed-Stan them on clay in MC , and once Fed-Stan beat Rafa-Marc in IW
*Rome 2007.
So, they have also played each other in doubles in 2004 IW as well! Rafa/Robredo beat Federer-Allegero
15-15 ace off net cord haha
where is everyone?? no excitement for Roger-Rafa?!
0-15!
Rafa breaks
Rafa breaks. Rafa now leads 2:0
Roger’s a bit rusty and rafa is DIALED in! Vamos!
Back to 2:2
Roger picks it up! 2-2….My stream is lagging a little bit
The fans are ecstatic. The umpire called a let ?
Rafa’s been hitting his CC backhand really well
3-2 Rafa! vamos
Rafa breaks back. If he could just hold serve from now on he’ll take the final set.
yeah…
Rafa’s on fire!
lol…smart serve from Federer! HOW did rafa miss that forehand DTL in response to a short backhand slice from Fed …haha…
4-3 Rafa…clearly the better player so far
Fed serves to stay in the set
You dare serve and volley against Rafa?! BRING IT ON!
I am glad roger won that game. THe crowd deserves better! Now rafa, close this out with a flourish
magnificent forehands from Roger but if he wins this set, that would be so unfair!!
Rafaaaaa how can you miss thattttt
Rafa’s totally diffused fed’s net rushes today