OMNISPORT

Rafael Nadal earned a victory on his International Premier Tennis League debut on Monday as the Indian Aces maintained their 100 per cent start.

The defending champions made it three wins out of three in Manila as they brushed aside the threat posed by the UAE Royals, the Aces winning 30-18.

Boosted by the arrival of Nadal in their squad, the Aces quickly took control of the day's opening clash with victories in the mixed doubles, women's singles and legends matches.

With the score at 18-10 it was time for Nadal's first appearance, and after combining well with Ivan Dodig to win the men's doubles, the Spaniard beat Tomas Berdych 6-5 to complete the win.

"It was great to have Nadal join the team today, he was just brilliant, and took to the format really well," said Aces legend Fabrice Santoro. "We are really playing hard and want to win again, to be able to defend our title!"

Monday's second game saw Serena Williams back in action for the Philippine Mavericks, the home side sneaking home 25-21 against the Japan Warriors.

Williams won both of her games in the clash as she partnered Milos Raonic to victory in the mixed doubles, and beat Kurumi Nara 6-3 in the women's singles.

Her wins proved crucial as only Mark Philippoussis claimed victory for the Mavericks – beating Thomas Enqvist 6-2.

Philipp Kohlschreiber and the men's doubles pairing of Leander Paes and Pierre-Hugues Herbert gave the Warriors hope with successes, but they fell agonisingly short of a first win of the competition.