Russia and Germany kicked off the Group B play for the 22nd Hyundai Hopman Cup tennis tournament on Monday. The number two seed Russia just did survive the tough number five seed Germany to start off the new year of tennis with a 2-1 victory.
Russia is represented by Elena Dementieva and Igor Andreev. Sabine Lisicki and Phillipp Kohlschreiber make up the Germany team in the 2010 Hopman Cup tournament.
In the women's single match of the Tie, Lisicki, ranked 22nd in the world, was too strong for number five ranked Dementieva. Lisicki defeated Dementieva in a dominating fashion in straight sets; 6-4, 6-1.
Lisicki jumped out to an early 5-1 lead in the first set. Dementieva did fight back to tighten up the score 5-4. But the younger Lisicki, 20 years old, pulled out the first set with a 6-4 score.
In the second set, Lisicki quickly took control and never let Dementieva back in the match. Lisicki won the second set 6-1 and the match in just barely over an hour. This was Lisicki's first victory over Dementieva.
Lisicki's victory in the women's singles portion of the Tie put the pressure on Russia's Andreev in the men's singles match. If Germany's Kohlschreiber defeated Andreev for his first time ever, then Germany would upset Russia.
Andreev started out the match strong taking a 4-1 lead in the first set. Kohlschreiber fought back to close the score to 5-3, but Andreev pulled out the first set win 6-3.
Kohlschreiber, 27th ranked, stepped up his play in the second set. The German eventually won the second set 7-6.
During the deciding third set, Andreev, 35th ranked, jumped back out to another 4-1 lead. The Russian would hold on to the lead and win the third set 6-3.
With Russia and Germany splitting the singles matches, the mixed doubles match would decide who would win this Tie in the Hopman Cup. For the fans in attendance, the mixed doubles match was a delight to watch.
Russia and Germany fought hard and the match was determined in the tie-breaker. Russia survived the Germany team 6-4, 7-6, (9/7) in their first play of the 2010 Hopman Cup tournament.
On Wednesday, Germany plays Great Britain. Russia will face off against Kazakhstan in their next Hopman Cup match.
Written by Denise Clay
For Huliq
Photo credit: Smirnowsv
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