The Hyundai Hopman Cup XXIII is done and dusted for the year with the un-seeded USA team clinching their 6th victory in the Cup’s history. The quality of on-court action inside the Burswood Dome at Hyundai Hopman Cup XXIII last week saw the tournament finish with an attendance total of 78,242. The total is the biggest in the 23 years of the Cup where there has been just 11 Sessions
The team representing the States comprised larger than life gun John Isner and pocket rocket Bethanie Mattek-Sands (replacing injured Serena Williams) came together to conquer some of the strongest rivals the Cup has ever seen representing 8 different nations.
Playing in front of 8564 tennis fans at the Burswood Dome on Saturday 8 January, the tie went down to the wire with a live mixed doubles securing the title for USA over a highly competitive Belgium team, represented by the number 2 seeds, Justine Henin and Ruben Bemelmans.
The women’s final proved to be the highlight of the event, with both Mattek-Sands and Henin at the top of their game. The first set lasted 69 minutes. Henin surprisingly won the first break, somehow manipulating Mattek-Sands’ powerful forehand and aggressive play at the net. Henin, possessing one of the smoothest backhands on the circuit, eventually capitalised on her secret weapon – taking the first set in an intense tie break (8-6).
The second set didn’t look as promising for Henin, with a number of unforced errors early in the match. Mattek-Sands’ ferocious forehand grazing the tramlines saw the American take an early lead, 3-1.
However Henin’s experience and skill was too much for her opponent. Her concentration unfaltering, precision, strength and class saw the Belgium take the match in straight sets (8-6), (6-3). The crowd response to the result was electrifying, demonstrating the Belgium team’s popularity in Perth.
The Men’s singles saw Isner take an easy win against left-handed Bemelmans in straight sets. Bemelmans attempted to work Isner all over the court, using his agility as a smaller player to his advantage. Unfortunately for Belgium, the giant American was just too strong claiming the match in an hour 6-3 6-4. With Isner’s serve averaging 200km per hour, the inexperienced Belgium put up a good fight.
The race for the diamond and pearl encrusted tennis ball trophy, described by Mattek-Sands as “the best trophy in sports” came down to the live mixed doubles.
Although an odd coupling, with Isner standing at 206cm tall and Mattek-Sands in a green candy-striped shirt, knee-high socks and basketball shoes, the American pair triumphed against the Belgium duo (6-1), (6-3).
The Belgium team put up a gallant effort throughout the tournament and should be commended for making the final. Condolences must be offered to the number one seeds Serbia, who did qualify for the final but were forced to pull out after Ana Ivanovich pulled a muscle in her stomach in an earlier match. As a result, Belgium gained their spot in the final by default.
Alicia Molik and Lleyton Hewitt did Australia proud, winning their tie against Kazakhstan and competing strongly against Belgium and Serbia.
Overall the tournament was considered a success and had a number of highlights throughout the week including funny Frenchman Nicolas Mahut playing an exhibition mixed doubles match alongside fellow compatriot Kristina Mladenovic against the USA. Mahut commenced the match wearing nothing but Mladenovic’s white dress and Mattek-Sands’ bright pink headband!
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