UAE Royals thrashed Japan Warriors 30-15 on day two of the International Premier Tennis League in Kobe, while Singapore Slammers narrowly overcame Philippine Mavericks.
The Warriors failed to win any of their five one-set matches, with Maria Sharapova, who took part in their 6-0 mixed doubles defeat, defeated 6-4 by Ana Ivanovic, while Goran Ivanisevic and Tomas Berdych were both victorious for the Royals.
Victory sent them to the top of the standings with a second straight win, but the Warriors have now experienced successive defeats.
In the day’s other contest, the Slammers secured a narrow 26-24 triumph over the Mavericks despite losing the men’s doubles and men’s legends singles.
Serena Williams lost 6-4 to Karolina Pliskova, but the score was level at 20 apiece before Milos Raonic and Nick Kyrgios met in the final set.
The Australian’s 6-4 win ensured it was the Slammers who emerged victorious for the first time in the competition.
Raonic admitted it will take time for him to adapt to the format in his debut campaign.
He said: “It’s a good format, fans enjoy it. For me, I’m somebody who usually likes to take his time in between points, so it will take a little getting used to, but I’m sure it’ll get better by tomorrow.”
