A look at the 2011 Hopman Cup field – Part 2
Here is the second installment explaining the field of next year’s Hopman Cup event to be held in Perth from January 1st, 2011.
5. Bethanie Mattek-Sands
The professional tennis player from the United States of America will be stepping in to replace former World No.1 Serena Williams as John Isner's partner at next year’s Hopman Cup. Serena withdrew from the competition as a result
of her foot injury she suffered right after winning the grass court Grand Slam tournament at the All England Club back in June.
Mattek-Sands will be making her first appearance in Perth as the right-hander attempts to take her country to their sixth tournament. The 25-year old American has improved her game greatly in 2010, advancing into the final of Quebec
City. She also jumped from No. 152 to No. 58 in the world.
Bethanie also played an important part for the United States of America in its 2010 Fed Cup second-place finish. In the final four-round versus Russia, the right-hander triumphed in the fourth rubber to keep the Americans in it,
and then was victorious in the doubles.
6. Yaroslava Shvedova
After a season that saw the Kazakhstani capture two doubles major crowns at Wimbledon as well as the United States Open along with her partner Vania King, she and Andrey Golubev are a pair to look for at next year’s Hopman Cup.
Both of them went 1-1 in the doubles court back in 2009, the very first occasion Kazakhstan played in the event, whereas Yaroslava finished 2-1 in her singles clashes. With her 2010 grass court Grand Slam title in 2010, the right-hander has also become the
first contender from her country to own a major trophy.
Moreover, her success was not just limited to doubles play as Yaroslava is currently ranked No. 39 in the South African Airways WTA list. She posted her best singles result of the season by reaching the quarterfinal round at Roland
Garros.
7. Alicia Molik
The Australian is playing at the Hopman Cup for the seventh time in her career. Her best result came back in 2003, when she along with her partner Lleyton Hewitt lost to James Blake and Serena Williams from the United States of
America in the title battle. She will be competing with the highest ranked Australian male again, as they hope to give their country its maiden Hopman Cup title.
Molik, who achieved her career high ranking of No.8 back in 2005, announced her retirement three years ago, however came out of it in less than a year later. This season, the 29-year old advanced to round four at Indian Wells as
her best result in 2010. She currently is tanked No.121.
8. Kristina Mladenovic
The French tennis player is the second youngster to compete in the 2011 edition of the Hopman Cup, joining Robson. Unlike the Brit’s representative though, it will be Kristina’s maiden appearance in Perth, where she will pair up
with Gael Monfils.
The 17-year old was the French Open junior girl’s winner back in 2009 and has so far played in four Grand Slam main draws, bundling out in the opening round on every occasion.
In the 2010 year, Kristina reached the second round in Strasbourg, the furthest she has played at any WTA competition. She is currently ranked No. 349 in the world.
Tags: