Czechs off to a winning start in Hopman
Print Edition
LUCIE Safarova scored two wins — one in the women’s singles, another in the mixed doubles — to give the Czech Republic a 2-1 victory over Canada at the Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia, yesterday.
Safarova defeated Wimbledon runner-up Eugenie Bouchard 6-0, 6-4 to give the Czechs an early 1-0 lead, then teamed with Adam Pavlasek to beat Bouchard and Vasek Pospisil 6-4, 6-2 in the mixed doubles decider.
In between, Pospisil secured the Canadians’ only point with a 7-6 (5), 6-2 win over Pavlasek in the men’s singles.
Seventh-ranked Bouchard, coming off a breakthrough season that saw her reach the final at Wimbledon and two other grand slam semifinals, was no match for the No. 16-ranked Safarova in the tournament opener.
“I was going for all my shots, and it worked well,” Safarova said. “I tried to keep the pressure on, quickly. When she has time, she takes control.”
Serena Williams is set to play her first match for the United States against Italy, while Andy Murray leads Britain against France today.
Williams said the high temperature of 41 Celsius forecast for today would suit her just fine as preparation for the frequently scorching conditions at the Australian Open in two weeks.
“If anything it’s going to help me for Melbourne,” Williams said. “Perth is one of the hottest places I’ve ever played, so it will be really good for the preparation in Melbourne, which is always super-hot.”
The Perth Arena roof will be shut during Williams’ match against Italian Flavia Pennetta if the heat policy is enforced.
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