Today’s Men’s News (12/29) – Hopman Cup

Written by: Staff on 29th December 2012

Today's Men's News (12/29) - Hopman Cup

epa03413652 Bernard Tomic of Australia returns the ball to Richard Gasquet of France in their quarter final match at the Thailand Open tennis tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, 28 September 2012. Gasquet won 7-6(5) and 6-4. EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT |

Hopman Cup

That was hardly worth staying up for.

Australia’s evening Hopman Cup tie with Germany started well but went downhill fast. Bernard Tomic showed his first sign of life in a long while, beating Tommy Haas 7-6 3-6 7-5 — but much-injured Andrea Petkovic had to quit with a knee problem after winning a 6-4 set over Ashleigh Barty. With Petkovic unable to play, Germany obviously had to forfeit the mixed doubles — and the tie, which Australia had won by then anyway.

The day’s first contest, Spain versus South Africa, had been much more interesting. Once again, it started with an upset; Kevin Anderson surprised Fernando Verdasco 7-6 6-4. But Anabel Medina Garrigues turned things around with a 6-4 6-2 win over Chanelle Scheepers, and the Spanish team won the Mixed in a match tiebreak.

If that wasn’t tough enough for South Africa, they have to face the American team of Venus Williams and John Isner next. The Spanish will face France.

Player News

As you have probably heard by now, the illness that forced Rafael Nadal out of Abu Dhabi has now caused him to withdraw from the Australian Open as well. Where he was the finalist last year. So he will be falling to no better than #5; it might even be lower.