The Hopman Cup 2010 began with a stunning defeat of host and top seeds Australia to Romania.
Nineteen year-old Romanian Sorana Cirstea upset world number 13 Samantha Stosur 36 64 63 in the first match. However, Australian former world number one Lleyton Hewitt evened things out after he defeated Victor Hanescu 36 63 76.
The mixed doubles match determined the winner and it was Cirstea and Hanescu who emerged the better players against Stosur and Hewitt, registering a 75 61 score – dashing Australia’s hopes of reaching the tournament final.
“I had a very good singles match when I beat Sam who is 13 in the world and then going out and playing mixed with Victor for the first time and winning – I cannot expect more than this,” Cirstea said.
Other participating teams at the Hopman Cup include Kazakhstan, Russia, Germany and Great Britain.
