The 2016 edition of the International Premier Tennis League has been without top stars including Roger Federer and Serena Williams, who signed up initially but were not able to participate. However, the ongoing tournament has not been without quality action on the court.
The tournament, which kickstarted in Japan on 2 December, was dominated by UAE Royals as they clinched two out of the three games in the first leg. Indian Aces kept the pressure on the leaders as they also took seven points in Japan. Meanwhile the Singapore Slammers and the Japan Warriors suffered two defeats each in the first leg.
Also read: IPTL 2016 - Where to watch Singapore, India legs online, TV Schedule
The home side though were able to get a win as Kei Nishikori's team stepped in the final home game. However, in Singapore the table have turned as Royals have gone downhill and both Slammers and Warriors have buckled up.
The Slammers have been unbeaten at home so far and the Warriors clinched an impressive win against the Aces. The India-based team though have remained at the top of the pack and are currently the number one team after a win and a loss in Singapore. The Royals need to stage a fightback if they are to stand a chance to make it to the final.
With four more games to go in the group stages, Aces are looking good to clinch one of the two final spots, while Slammers are getting the right results to distance themselves from the bottom two.
Standings
[At the end of Match 14 between Aces and Slammers on 9 December]
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Games Won | Games Lost | Points |
| Indian Aces | 7 | 5 | 2 | 169 | 159 | 17 |
| Japan Warriors | 7 | 4 | 3 | 154 | 166 | 13 |
| Singapore Slammers | 7 | 3 | 4 | 171 | 159 | 11 |
| UAE Royals | 7 | 2 | 5 | 156 | 166 | 9 |
