Spain open Hopman Cup campaign with win

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:58

The Spanish pairing of Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez and Tommy Robredo clinched the contest with wins in their respective singles matches.

Martinez Sanchez battled sickness to claim a 6-4 6-4 win over 18-year-old Melanie Oudin before Tommy Robredo fought back from a set down against John Isner, who fired down 16 aces, 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 7-6 (7-4) to sew up the tie. The number four seeds then completed a whitewash win with a 6-4 7-5 victory in the mixed doubles.

Spain’s win leaves them in the box seat to qualify for next Saturday’s final from Group A after their rivals and top seeds Australia suffered a shock loss to Romania on the opening day on Saturday.

Afterwards Martinez Sanchez revealed she had been struggling with illness before her win over Oudin, although the 27-year-old was able to return for the mixed doubles.

“I was not okay. I threw up also,” Martinez Sanchez revealed.

“At the beginning of the season it is difficult to play matches because we go two months without playing and it was more difficult.

“Now I’m much better I have to eat and recuperate before the next match.”

The tournament continues on Monday with all four teams in Group B in action.

In the morning session Russia play Germany before Great Britain tackle the Asian Hopman Cup champions Kazakhstan.

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