IPTL: Andy Murray's Manila Mavericks Go Down to UAE Royals

Andy Murray-led Manila Mavericks went down to UAE Royals 24-29 in their opening encounter of the inaugural International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) in Manila on Friday.

World number six Murray lost to reigning US Open champion Marin Cilic 5-6 at the 16,000-capacity Mall of Asia Arena.

World number two Maria Sharapova rallied from 2-5 down to beat Kristina Mladenovic, 6-5. However, her and Murray's Manila Mavericks eventually went down 4-1 to Cilic and Mladenovic's UAE Royals.

Earlier, Sania Mirza starred as Indian Aces notched up an impressive 26-16 victory against the Singapore Slammers in the opening encounter of the inaugural tournament.

The IPTL, which will also have stops in Singapore, New Delhi and Dubai next month, has a team format with ties consisting of five one-set matches, with no advantages. The first to six games wins.

A 20-second shot-clock between points guarantees quick play, and at 5-5, players go into a timed shoot-out in which they must accumulate the most points before time is up. (Read: Ana Ivanovic Says 'Hard to Imagine' Faster Future for Game)

Players receiving a serve can also call a "happiness power point" once per set, meaning the next point will count double.