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It’s fun but serious too

SINGAPORE — Even at 44, Andre Agassi still has the ability to pull in the crowds, as 8,000 spectators watched the American do battle with Mark Philippoussis last night at the 10,000-capacity Singapore Indoor Stadium.

SINGAPORE — Even at 44, Andre Agassi still has the ability to pull in the crowds, as 8,000 spectators watched the American do battle with Mark Philippoussis last night at the 10,000-capacity Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Against the 38-year-old Australian, who showed glimpses of a power serve that gave him the nickname Scud, Agassi had little chance.

No longer was he able to execute shots with pinpoint accuracy that bagged him eight Grand Slams — four in Australian, two in the United States and one each in France and at Wimbledon. His reflexes have seen better days and the stamina was not what it once used to be.

Still, making his debut in the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) and turning out for the Singapore Slammers, Agassi showed the adoring crowd he was still able to wield a racket on court and they cheered every point he was able to deliver.

Shouts of “Come on Andre” rang out through the duration of Agassi’s 3-6 loss to Philippoussis.

And even with superstar Serena Williams in the DBS Singapore Slammers side and winning her match, the team bearing the Republic’s name were still beaten 4-1 by the Manila Mavericks, extending a losing streak that began with the first leg in the Philippines.

Singapore is the second stop in the four-team round robin tournament, which heads next to New Delhi before rounding off in Dubai next weekend.

Also yesterday, the UAE Royals, featuring reigning US Open champion Marin Cilic, were trounced 5-0 by the Indian Aces.

By now, fans know the IPTL is here to deliver fun, while the top-ranked players tune-up for the 2015 season in a light-hearted environment. “The IPTL is fun and serious at the same time, it is like an exhibition … and there is nothing to win, but that’s cool,” said Frenchman Gael Monfils of the Indian Aces, who nonetheless considers the IPTL a good platform to spar with top-ranked players in his pre-season preparations.

“Physically, it is tough because I play in the singles and doubles, and play against tough players, which is good practice for the new season.”

Williams initially signed up for the Slammers thinking it would be a non-competitive outing. But after Manila, she believes it is also giving her a good workout before heading Down Under ahead of the Australian Open next month.

“I came into this thinking it was going to be fun and to have a blast,” said Williams. “I am having these, but it is also an amazing preparation for the coming season.

“After I played in Manila, I felt this is a great way to get some matches in. I think this tournament will naturally widen.”

Agassi added the series was also taking tennis with its entourage of stars to places where it should help the sport grow.

“The sport must go where I believe there should be tennis and enthusiastic fans. And taking it to them in a format that is motivational to the next generation in these communities and cities is a win-win for them and great for the players,” said the American.

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