International Premier League enters final stage

NovakDjokovic

With action in the Philippines, Singapore and India complete, the stage is set for a thrilling finale in Dubai with UAE Royals hoping home advantage can see them reel in Micromax Indian Aces at the top.

Three points separate Aces at the top from Royals in second with Manila Mavericks also in the running on level points in third.

Singapore Slammers prop up the standings ahead of their remaining three matches although all eyes will be on who can finish top of the pile come the end of the tournament. 

Royals stand a solid chance of clinching the title at the Hamdan Sports Complex despite Novak Djokovic coming out second best in his clash with Roger Federer on Monday.

The 6-5 battle between the world's number one and number two respectively was arguably the highlight of the Indian leg, with Royals running out 29-22 victors overall.

Djokovic's defeat in the final set mattered little in the end as Royals set up a tense finale and the Serbian feels his team are heading in the right direction. 

"It was a unique and valuable experience," he said of featuring in the competition.

"The people, the kindness, the hospitality strikes me right away. I hope the league continues and I really look forward to come back next year.

"I think the format is fun and fast. [Federer and I] both played tennis at a great level and I am really happy with our performance and the team.

"We had a chat before the match and neither of us wanted to get embarrassed here! We had a unique experience playing and had a lot of fun."

Aces get the UAE leg under way in Thursday's early clash against Slammers before Royals take on Mavericks.

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