Baghdatis pips Karlovic to win it for Marshalls

                           
                                       

Marcos Baghdatis proved to be a match-winner as he won the big points in the decider to help Punjab Marshalls record a 22-21 win over Hyderabad Aces in the final of the second edition of the Champions Tennis League at the Lal Bahadur Stadium tennis complex here on Sunday.

With the aggregate scores tied 17-all before the start of the men’s singles — the last contest of the evening — the focus was on the big-serving Ivo Karlovic, who once clocked 214 kmph and fired in seven aces.

But it was Bagdhatis who served a crucial ace and then followed it up with a big strong serve which Karlovic struggled to return, as the team clinched the men’s singles 5-4(5-3).

Thomas Johansson suffered his first defeat in the Legends category, against Greg Rusedski. The former Australian Open champion could not get his return of serve in when it mattered most.

That a surprisingly erratic Rusedski, who even had three double-faults, could emerge winner was also a hint of how the game went awry for the Aces captain.

In the women’s singles, a much fitter and younger Elina Svitolina edged out a fighting former World No.1 Martina Hingis 5-4(5-4) in the tie-breaker.

Svitolina’s brilliant return of serve in the tie-breaker was the clincher.

It was the mixed doubles combine of Karlovic and Hingis which kept Aces’ hopes afloat as the latter showed why she is the World No.1 in women’s doubles with a vintage display. They emerged an easy 5-2 winner against Baghdatis and Svitolina.

The focus then shifted to men’s doubles. Though the young Jeevan Neduncheziyan combined well with Karlovic to put up a much better display, the powerful duo of Baghdatis and Indian Davis Cupper Saketh Myneni won 5-4(5-3) via tie-breaker.

Then, it all boiled down to the battle between the big-servers. And all hopes of Karlovic raising the bar were dashed by the efficient Bhagdatis.

The result: Final: Punjab Marshalls bt Hyderabad Aces 22-21 (Greg Rusedski bt Thomas Johansson 5-4; Elina Svitolina bt Martina Hingis 5-4; Marcos Baghdatis & Elina lost to Ivo Karlovic & Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan 2-5; Baghdatis & Saketh Myneni bt Karlovic & Jeevan 5-4; Baghdatis bt Karlovic 5-4).