Spain close in on Hopman Cup final

 

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

Hanescu had been hampered by an upper leg injury during his match with Tommy Robredo before deciding to retire after losing the opening set 6-3.

Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez had already put the number four seeds ahead after she won the opening rubber against Sorana Cirstea 6-4 6-3.

Hanescu, who had struggled with cramp towards the end of his opening match with Lleyton Hewitt on Saturday, called for the trainer after the third game before deciding he could not go on after conceding the set.

The Romanian did not play the mixed doubles as he took a cautious approach with the Australian Open less than a fortnight away.

Spain’s win means they are the only team in Group A with a perfect 2-0 win-loss record and can only miss Saturday’s final if they lose their final tie with top seeds Australia 3-0 on Thursday.

The hosts kept alive their slim hopes of reaching the title decider after they secured a 2-1 win over the United States earlier in the day.

Australia suffered a shock loss to Romania on the opening day of the tournament but bounced back with Sam Stosur and Hewitt both winning their singles matches.

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