France edged ahead in the Hopman Cup after a hard fought victory over the USA in today’s competition.  Level at the start of play, a win for either team would have seen them leapfrog the Czechs to take pole position.  And after winning the deciding doubles rubber, the French begin the New Year on top.

In yesterday’s match up, all hopes of the Aussies ending their sixteen year hiatus were dashed as Sam Stosur and Bernard Tomic fell in three rubbers to the Italians.  The defeat leaves the Aussies stranded at the bottom of Group A and looking very likely to take the wooden spoon.

On Tuesday, the day’s only tie looked a tasty one and one which the Australian pair would have expected to win.  However, almost immediately the tie was turned on its head after a solid performance from Flavia Pennetta, who brushed aside the witless Stosur in straight sets.  It marks another defeat for the former US Open champion who yet again faltered in front of a home crowd.

And it looked the tie was going to be over almost before it had begun, with Andreas Seppi racing in to a set lead over the enigmatic Tomic.  After being trounced by big serving Milos Raonic in his previous match, the wild Aussie struggled to get to grips with the mix up in the experienced Italian’s game.  And with a heavy training schedule taking its toll, the match was in danger of escaping his grasp.  But, miraculously, he found his head and backed by a raucous home support, he majestically fought back to take the match into a decider. 

But, it wasn’t to be, as the pair was beaten in straight sets by their opponents who usurped the pair to overtake them in the standings. 

‘It’s disappointing not to win again,’ remarked Stosur but she remained upbeat.  ‘I thought I played some good tennis.’ 

As the New Year was warmly welcomed in by the world, today’s tie certainly provided the kind of intrigue, talent and shock which only added to the buzzing party atmosphere.  There was an electric feel around the ground today, as feelings of hope and grandeur boiled, and the tennis on show commended this beautifully.

The tie opened with a flurry, with the talented American hope Sloane Stephens taking on the hero of the French’s previous tie, Alize Cornet.  In what had proved to be a pulsating back and forth tie, Cornet provided the magic in the deciding rubber, despite a barrel load of Czech pressure.  In today’s match, she was once again threatening to conjure up something special. 

Throwing in a concoction of supreme shot making, which was only usurped by some truly dogged defending, the set was taken the distance by the talented twosome.  However, a magical break was obtained by Sloane Stephens, who seemed to grow and grow throughout the match.  Her mini victory seemed to deflate Cornet as she was blown away to love in the second set. 

After a tight male rubber was snatched by Jo Wilfried Tsonga, the tie would yet again be decided by the doubles.  The crowd grew in both magnitude and noise as the teams took to the stage for one of the most nerve racking ties of the tournament so far. 

The tossing and turning of the match was summed up by Alize Cornet’s post match comments.  ‘I think it’s very stressful to play the whole match and when it comes down to 10 points in the match tiebreaker.’    

The French exploded out of the gates and found themselves a set to the good in lightning quick time.  To the loss of only one game, the French were a mere six games away from the second round of the Hopman Cup.  The debut pair of Tsonga and Cornet had certainly sparked.  But, the big American pair was not to be taken lightly, with some especially good serving from John Isner clawing the tie back to level terms. 

So, it all came down to the final 10 points; one way or another, one of teams could seal their place in the second round.  Dogged defending and nerve racking rallies ensued, with the crowd playing every ball, and the player’s roars reverberating around the imperious ground.

But, it was to be the European’s New Year, and with a leap for joy, Tsonga and Cornet secured a heartbreaking 10-5 victory over their closest rivals.  ‘I’m so happy we got through.’  Perhaps Cornet summed it up best.    

Results: 

Tuesday 31st December 

Italy 2 v 1 Australia 

Flavia Pennetta d. Sam Stosur 6-4 6-4 

Bernard Tomic d. Andreas Seppi 4-6 6-3 6-2 

Pennetta/Seppi d. Tomic/Stosur 6-3 6-4

Wednesday 1st January 

France 2 v 1 USA

Sloane Stephens d. Alize Cornet 7-5 6-0 

Jo Wilfried Tsonga d. John Isner 7-6(1) 6-3 

Cornet/Tsonga d. Isner/Stephens 6-1 5-7 10-5 

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About the author
Jack Haugh
Freelance sports writer, specialising in tennis.