Tennis: Czech Republic clinch Hopman Cup

Thrash France to win 2nd title yesterday.

PERTH:

The Czech Republic thrashed France to lift their second Hopman Cup yesterday as world number two Petra Kvitova sent warning signals to her closest rivals ahead of the Australian Open.

Kvitova put her country ahead with the first victory of the day against Marion Bartoli, and teammate Tomas Berdych wrapped up the contest beating Richard Gasquet, with neither dropping a set. The mixed doubles was not played.

Unbeaten in her three previous singles matches in Perth, including beating world number one Caroline Wozniacki on Friday, Kvitova was too good for ninth-ranked Bartoli. Kvitova won 10 of the last 11 games on her way to an impressive 7-5, 6-1 win, while Berdych, ranked seventh, overpowered the 19th-ranked Gasquet, 7-6 (7/0), 6-4.

“Petra won all that she can, and I had some wins, and we are able to be here with such a nice trophy,” said Berdych before Kvitova added that it was the perfect start to 2012.

Kanepi blitzes to Brisbane glory

Meanwhile, Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi produced a stunning display of attacking tennis and a formidable serve to blitz Slovakia’s Daniela Hantuchova and win the Brisbane International.

Kanepi, ranked 34th, was in irresistible form as she destroyed her opponent, ranked ten places above her, 6-2, 6-1 in 74 minutes in the Pat Rafter Arena.

“I can’t believe what I have done, and how well I have played and who I have beaten and by what score,” a delighted Kanepi said afterwards.

In the men’s event, top-seed Andy Murray brushed aside Australian Bernard Tomic 6-3, 6-2 to cruise into the final. Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov also reached the final, beating Gilles Simon 6-3, 6-4.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2012.