Manila hosted the inaugural season of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL). Which concluded 30 November at the SM Mall of Asia Arena with a sizable crowd cheering on the Manila Mavericks after they defeated the Singapore Slammers for their first win in three days.
“If you look at the amount of people who showed up here, (it’s) unbelievable support. From Friday all the way through to Sunday, you know it shows that people here love tennis,” said Andy Murray, who played for the Manila Mavericks and capped the leg with a thrilling win over Nick Kyrgios of the Slammers.
“It’s been amazing crowds every day, and they’ve been really great supporters,” said world No. 5 Ana Ivanovic, who from the first day until the last was the darling of the crowd.
Frenchman Gael Monfils, who gained a lot of Filipino fans thanks to his explosive play for the Indian Aces and his sensational hip-hop dancing in between sets, appreciated how “into it” the fans were.
“It’s good, it’s my first time in the Philippines and I think they have been great and unbelievable,” he said. Doubles specialist Sania Mirza on Saturday said that Manila
Serena Williams, who played only on the final day, was surprised yet delighted by the reaction she got.
“The reception was amazing,” said Williams, who won her women’s singles set against Kirsten Flipkens. “Everyone was so nice. The IPTL moves to Singapore for the second leg, to be followed by New Delhi, and then Dubai.
Ages took the honor of once again providing service, VVIP ground handling for the private B737-BJJ which flew all the player & management of the IPTL to Singapore for the 2nd leg.
The VVIP service Ages provided for the private B737-BJJ ere remote luggage screening and planeside Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (C, I, Q) and final security check with its security partner AVOMSI.
The Pilot in command Capt. Stephen Power had simply this to say “Very smooth handling – Thank you! “
