The opening tie of the Hopman Cup saw home glory as the Australian Green team produced a comprehensive 3-0 win over Germany.
This year is the first time in history that the exhibition tournament has two Australian teams participating. The Australian Green team consists of young talents Nick Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova. Playing the German duo of Andrea Petkovic and Alexander Zverev, the home team got off to a sensational start thanks to Gavrilova. The former junior world No.1 fended off six break points as she eased her way past Petkovic after just 70 minutes to win 6-2, 6-2. The match was a prominent moment for Gavrilova, who was for the first time representing Australia after switching from Russia. Speaking about the occasion, she admitted it was a nervous occasion for her.
“I couldn’t believe how well I handled it, I was so nervous. But I played pretty well, I held my serve and didn’t get broken”. She said
Despite the positive start by Australia, they encountered a blip in the second match after Kyrgios dropped his opening set against Zverev, a player ranked 53 places lower than him. Despite being left behind in the opening set, Kyrgios responded triumphantly in the second set by winning five consecutive games to force the match into a decider. The third set started off level with neither player managing to generate a break point opportunity in the first six games. The crucial break occurred in the seventh game after a long Zverev service game, consisting of three deuces. With a 40-15 lead and two advantage point’s, the German had numerous chances to take the game but failed to do so as Kyrgios broke to lead 4-3. The break was decisive for the outcome of the match as the 20-year-old battled to hold his serve before winning the match. Speaking after his 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, win, Kyrgios paid tribute to his opponent.
“I like the kid, he has a great future ahead of him. He said.
“He’s a great athlete for his size”.
Kyrgios and Gavrilova grabbed the clean sweep after winning the mixed doubles 6-3, 4-6, 10-7.
The next team for the duo will be Great Britain. The British team consists of Andy Murray and Heather Watson. Interestingly neither player on the Australian team have been able to beat their British rival on the tour so far in their career. Looking ahead to the tie, Kyrgios expressed his excitement of playing Murray.
“I have been looking forward to facing Murray for a long time now so I’m going to go and do everything I can to physically prepare for that battle,” 20-year-old Kyrgios said.
The tie between the two countries will get underway on January 6th.
