Spain rallies to lift Hopman Cup
Source: Agencies |
January 10, 2010, Sunday
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Print Edition
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TOMMY Robredo was the driving force as Spain came from behind to beat Britain 2-1 yesterday to win the Hopman Cup in Perth for a third time.
Fifteen-year-old Laura Robson stunned world No. 26 Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 6-1, 7-6 to give Britain a surprise lead but Robredo upset world No. 4 Andy Murray 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 to leave the tie all square heading into the mixed doubles.
The Spaniards then saved three set points in the opening set of a dramatic match before going on to clinch the title with a 7-6, 7-5 victory.
Martinez Sanchez described Robredo as "the hero" but the modest world No. 16 said it was a team effort.
"It was a great final," he said. "Maria Jose said today I did a great job but here no one wins alone."
For Robredo, it was his second Hopman Cup victory after partnering Arantxa Sanchez Vicario to the title in 2002, and the pair each took home a special diamond-encrusted tennis ball as a trophy.
Murray felt he let down Robson down by not delivering victory for Britain.
The British pair squandered three set points in the opening set of the deciding mixed doubles. "I'd like to thank my partner for playing with me," Murray said. "I kind of let her down a bit, so I feel bad about that."
Robson, ranked 403, was rewarded for her performances this week with a wildcard into the qualifying event at the Australian Open, which begins on January 18.
Martinez Sanchez had not lost more than four games in a set all week but was stunned in the first set as Robson attacked at every opportunity, breaking twice to win it.
Fifteen-year-old Laura Robson stunned world No. 26 Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 6-1, 7-6 to give Britain a surprise lead but Robredo upset world No. 4 Andy Murray 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 to leave the tie all square heading into the mixed doubles.
The Spaniards then saved three set points in the opening set of a dramatic match before going on to clinch the title with a 7-6, 7-5 victory.
Martinez Sanchez described Robredo as "the hero" but the modest world No. 16 said it was a team effort.
"It was a great final," he said. "Maria Jose said today I did a great job but here no one wins alone."
For Robredo, it was his second Hopman Cup victory after partnering Arantxa Sanchez Vicario to the title in 2002, and the pair each took home a special diamond-encrusted tennis ball as a trophy.
Murray felt he let down Robson down by not delivering victory for Britain.
The British pair squandered three set points in the opening set of the deciding mixed doubles. "I'd like to thank my partner for playing with me," Murray said. "I kind of let her down a bit, so I feel bad about that."
Robson, ranked 403, was rewarded for her performances this week with a wildcard into the qualifying event at the Australian Open, which begins on January 18.
Martinez Sanchez had not lost more than four games in a set all week but was stunned in the first set as Robson attacked at every opportunity, breaking twice to win it.
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