Wozniacki Lifts Denmark Past USA In Hopman Cup
By: James Waterson
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Photo Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images
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(January 2, 2012) World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki won her singles and mixed doubles match to lift Denmark past the United States in her opening match at the Hopman Cup.
Wozniacki defeated Bethanie Mattek-Sands 7-6 (4), 6-2, and then partnered with 236th-ranked Frederik Nielsen to outplay Mardy Fish and Mattek-Sands 7-5, 6-3 in the deciding mixed doubles match. Earlier in the day, Fish overcame Nielsen 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4.
It wasn’t all straightforward for the Danish World No. 1. She flew into Perth hours before her match was scheduled because she was playing a charity tournament in Thailand to support victims of the floods. She said that left her underprepared, which may be why she fell behind 5-1 in the first set.
“It’s the first time I’ve done that, and I felt a bit nervous,” Wozniacki said. “I just started off playing too short and Bethanie just went for shots, made a lot of winners and it was tough for me to get into the points. But I just kept focusing. I didn’t even know it was 5-1 so I kept going and hoped for the best.”
Kvitova, who was named the 2011 WTA Tour player of the year, defeated Pironkova 6-4, 6-2, and Berdych outlasted Dimitrov 6-4, 6-7 (8), 6-3.
The Bulgarians saved two match points in a 2-6, 6-3, 11-9 (match tiebreak) win against the Czechs, which could help them qualify for the finals.
On Tuesday, Spain takes on China followed by France and Australia.