Hopman Cup: Serena Williams slips to upset loss as the US suffer defeat against Canada
Tuesday 6 January 2015 16:01, UK
Serena Williams suffered a heavy defeat to Eugenie Bouchard as the United States lost 2-1 against Canada at the Hopman Cup.
The 33-year-old world No 1 was swiftly punished for 23 unforced errors, with Bouchard sealing a 6-2 6-1 win in just 50 minutes.
Williams had helped the US to a 3-0 win over Italy earlier in the week, battling back to beat Flavia Pennetta 0-6 6-3 6-0, but was brushed aside by last year’s Wimbledon runner-up.
Williams was at a loss to explain the defeat, admitting she is not feeling herself in Perth.
"I don't know what's wrong with me, I am so tired, it's so weird," she said when asked if she was suffering from jet lag. "I can't get my body to move and I feel like I have no energy.
"It is a little frustrating because I know I can play 2000 times better. But Williams said she wasn't overly concerned by the issue. I'm so fit, I can run 10km, I don't know how to describe it. I have to figure it out, hopefully I can do better in my next match."
Bouchard told hopmancup.com: "It's a good way to start the year. I really want to start the season strong and matches like this help.
"I just want to keep improving as a tennis player. I know how much I still have to improve and that's so motivating to me because I feel like I can achieve my goals and my ultimate dreams. I'm just working every single day towards that."
Canada then doubled their lead when Vasek Pospisil upset another US star John Isner, completing a hard-fought 6-3 7-6 win.
But Williams and Isner did manage to restore some pride when then claimed a 6-3 7-5 win in the mixed doubles.
Adam Pavlasek sprung another surprise victory over world No 20 Fabio Fognini as the Czech Republic extended their unbeaten record in the competition with a 3-0 win over Italy.
The 20-year-old, who is a world No 240, fought back after losing the first set to record a 3-6 7-5 6-1 win.
In the opening match of the day, Lucie Safarova edged out world No 13 Pennetta 7-5 6-3, while the Italians forfeited the mixed doubles due to Fognini suffering a ‘heat-related’ illness.
Meanwhile, Australia have called-up Marinko Matosevic to replace the injured Matt Ebden, who was forced to withdraw ahead of Wednesday's Group B tie against defending champions France.
