A men\u2019s singles showdown between Sumit Nagal and Dhakshineswar Suresh headlined the first match of the day between AOS Eagles and Aussie Mavericks Kites. It wasn\u2019t just a clash between India\u2019s leading singles star and his challenger, but also a clash of styles. While Nagal is a true-blue counter-puncher, Suresh, standing tall at 6\u20195, is already known for his big serves and attacking game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After going toe-to-toe in the set, Nagal and Suresh delivered the first tie-break of the tournament so far. At 6-6 in the breaker, WTL\u2019s deciding \u2018golden point\u2019 rule kicked into gear. Nagal won the point, game, and set to complete the clean sweep for the Eagles, who soared to a 25-13 victory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Paula Badosa had set the tone for the Eagles, as she overpowered Marta Kostyuk 6-1 in the opening set. Badosa, the 2025 Australian Open semi-finalist, has been afflicted with injury in the second half of the season but was at her stroke-making best against the Ukrainian on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Spaniard continued the dominant run as she combined with Gael Monfils for a successful and entertaining set in the mixed doubles. Monfils\u2019 athleticism and touch, and Badosa\u2019s firepower from the baseline helped them upstage Suresh and Marta Kostyuk 6-3. In the men\u2019s doubles, Monfils-Nagal overcame Suresh-Nick Kyrgios 6-3.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The WTL, which is in its fourth season, has given the Indian audience a unique view of some of the biggest names in the sport. While the tennis has been top-notch, players have opened up in the fun, relaxed atmosphere, giving a glimpse into their personalities. Australian maverick Kyrgios has been a team player to the core, while Badosa and Monfils have danced their way to success.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Four franchises are competing this year and will play each other once in a round-robin format before the top two qualify for the final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Each tie consists of four sets \u2013 men\u2019s singles, women\u2019s singles, men\u2019s doubles, and women\u2019s\/mixed doubles. Victory is decided by the number of games won, with each game won counting for one point.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Results:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
AOS Eagles vs Aussie Mavericks Kites 25-13<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Paula Badosa (Eagles) bt Marta Kostyuk (Kites) 6-1<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Paula Badosa-Gael Monfils (Eagles) bt Dhakshineswar Suresh-Marta Kostyuk (Kites) 6-3<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Paula Badosa (Eagles) bt Marta Kostyuk (Kites) 6-1<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sumit Nagal (Eagles) bt Dhakshineswar Suresh (Kites) 7-6<\/p>\r\n\r\n