Skip to content

Russia overcome Italy

Sunday 4 January 2009 11:22, UK

Image: Safina: Back in action

The brother and sister combination of Marat Safin and Dinara Safina gave Russia a 2-1 victory over Italy in the Hopman Cup.

Latest Tennis Stories

Former champions get underway in Australia with a win

The brother and sister combination of Marat Safin and Dinara Safina gave Russia a 2-1 victory over Italy in the Hopman Cup on Sunday. Safin showed no signs of weariness despite sporting two black eyes and he went on to overcome Simone Bolelli 7-6 6-4. World number three Safina won six successive games in the second set meanwhile to defeat Flavia Pennetta 7-5 6-3. Italy did salvage some pride with a 7-5 4-6 6-7 win in the mixed doubles, but it is the Russians that start Group B with a win. Next up for Safina and Safin is a tie against the Taiwanese pair Hsieh Su-Wei and Lu Yen-Hsun on Wednesday. Hosts Australia take on Germany in Group A on Monday meanwhile, and five-times winners the United States meet Slovakia.

Around Sky

Sign up for Sky Sports push notifications

Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch every minute of end of season