22 December 2014 | Tennis West

World No.19 John Isner (USA) and former world No.24 Benoit Paire (FRA) will replace Jack Sock and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for Team USA and Team France respectively at Hopman Cup 2015.

Isner will return to Perth to partner world No.1 Serena Williams after Sock was forced to withdraw due to injury. The 22-year-old had surgery on Tuesday and will begin his year in February in Memphis.

Isner will make his fifth appearance at Hopman Cup and is eager to get back to Western Australia.

“I always like playing in Perth. It’s the perfect start to the year and I always have a great time on and off the court,” Isner said.

“It’s not good to hear Jack is battling injury and I hope he gets well soon.

“I’ve been working hard in my pre-season training and I’m excited to team up with Serena. I hope we can do well,” Isner continued.

Paire, 25, will represent Team France after Tsonga has withdrawn due to an ongoing arm injury.

“I’m disappointed I have to withdraw from the Hopman Cup as I was looking forward to returning to Perth to play with Alize,” Tsonga said, the world No.12.

“We had a great time there earlier this year, the fans and the atmosphere were unbelievable.

“But a persisting injury to my arm has given me no choice but to withdraw from the event.

“I hope to be back in Perth soon and wish Benoit and Alize the best of luck. I hope they can win another Hopman Cup trophy for France,” Tsonga added.

“We wish Jo and Jack all the best for a speedy recovery from their injuries, I know how much they were both looking forward to playing in Perth,” Hopman Cup Tournament Director Paul Kilderry said today.

“We are very fortunate to have John Isner coming back to Perth – he and Serena will be a formidable team, and I look forward to welcoming Benoit Paire to the event for the first time.

“Aussie fans will remember Benoit’s amazing five set win over Nick Kyrgios at the Australian Open this year and their rematch at Perth Arena will be a bonus for fans,” Kilderry continued.

Kyrgios and Paire will meet when Australia takes on defending champions France on Wednesday 7 January 2015 at Perth Arena.

The countdown has begun, and in just over 15 days world No.1 Serena Williams, two-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray, Eugenie Bouchard, Nick Kyrgios, Casey Dellacqua and more will be in Perth to play at the 27th annual Hopman Cup.

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Hopman Cup 2015 is the official mixed team competition of the ITF and is proudly supported locally by the State Government, through Tourism WA. The event will take place at Perth Arena from Sunday 4 to Saturday 10 January 2015.

Hopman Cup is part of the Emirates Australian Open Series which also includes the Brisbane International presented by Suncorp, Apia International Sydney, Hobart International and the World Tennis Challenge (Adelaide).

Tickets to Hopman Cup 2015 can be purchased via Ticketek or by calling 1300 888 104.

For further event information please visit www.hopmancup.com.

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