World Tennis League: Rublev Delivers Thrilling Victory for Game Changers Falcons in Season Opener
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Abu Dhabi, Dec 19 (NationPress) The eagerly awaited Season 3 of the World Tennis League commenced with thrilling action as the Game Changers Falcons pulled off a dramatic 29-26 victory against the TSL Hawks in the opening match held at the Etihad Arena on Thursday. The opener provided exhilarating excitement, featuring tightly contested matches in both doubles and singles, culminating in the season's first Super Shootout.
In the women's doubles, Aryna Sabalenka and Mirra Andreeva gave the TSL Hawks a strong start, establishing a 2-0 lead. However, Elena Rybakina and Caroline Garcia orchestrated a remarkable comeback for the Game Changers Falcons, leveling the score at 2-2. The Falcons then surged ahead with a 4-2 lead, but the Hawks responded by breaking the Falcons in the seventh game.
After saving three set points, the Hawks equalized at 5-5, pushing the set into a tie-break after a 6-6 deadlock. In a thrilling finish, the Hawks secured the set 7-6, marking a captivating start to the season opener. In the women’s singles, Sabalenka began dominantly, racing to a 5-0 advantage. However, Rybakina, after a slow start, mounted a strong comeback, winning five consecutive games to tie at 5-5, saving three set points during this stretch.
Although Sabalenka briefly regained her momentum to take the lead, Rybakina’s determination forced the set into a tiebreak. Ultimately, Sabalenka emerged victorious, winning the set 7-6 and giving the Hawks a 14-12 advantage.
In the men’s doubles, Sumit Nagal and Jordan Thompson established a commanding 4-1 lead for the Hawks. However, Andrey Rublev and Denis Shapovalov fought back for the Falcons, leveling at 4-4 and eventually leading the set by one game. Despite the shift in momentum, Nagal and Thompson regained control, clinching the tie 7-5 and extending the Hawks' overall lead to 21-17.
Rublev came out firing for the Falcons in the men’s singles, securing the fourth set and narrowing the overall score to 24-26, which extended the match into Over Time. Under the unique format of the WTL, if the trailing team wins the fourth set, the overall match enters overtime (OT) as a continuation of the final set.
In the OT, Rublev managed to win two consecutive games, leveling the overall score to 26-26 and leading to the first Super Shootout of the season. Riding on a wave of momentum, Rublev defeated Thompson 10-6 in the Super Shootout, ultimately helping his team secure additional bonus points.
Reflecting on the closely contested match, Women’s World No. 1 Sabalenka stated, “I feel like it's really cool to play in Abu Dhabi and promote our sport in this region to attract a young generation to tennis. It was so much fun during the match. It's disappointing to win three sets out of four and still lose the match. But it was entertaining, going back and forth. The most important aspect of the World Tennis League is to play without any pressure.”
