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

Written by: Staff on 29th December 2012

Belgian tennis player Kim Clijsters farewell event

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

epa03506230 (L-R) Former world number one Kim Clijsters of Belgium, Paralympic gold medalist Marieke Vervoort of Belgium and US Venus Williams pose together at the start of the Kim's Thank You Games at the Sportpaleis, in Antwerp, Belgium, 12 December 2012. Kim Clijsters, will play her farewell single match against U.S. Venus William during a show celebrating her career. EPA/THIERRY ROGE |

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.