HOP Cup: Another Win

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Andy and Laura Robson won their second straight tie at the Hopman Cup with a 2-1 victory over Germany in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Once again, it came down to a decisive mixed doubles rubber, and once again GB triumphed – this time 6-3, 6-2.

Once again, Laura was hugely impressive, dominating at net as GB raced to an early 5-0 lead. Whilst the German’s fought back, Laura’s groundstrokes and volleys troubled both opponents and the win never looked in doubt.

It sets up a likely knockout third match against Russia on Friday to decide which team progresses to Saturday’s final, something GB have never donw before.

After Laura’s 7-6, 6-3 loss to the World No. 22 Sabine Lisicki, Andy needed a win against Philipp Kohlschreiber to send the tie into a tricky live doubles rubber.

And he did, throwing in a fair share of serve-volley on his way to a 6-4, 6-1 win over the World No. 27.

“I served really well, did not really give him too many chances on my serve, and I think that was the main difference,” Andy said.

“And I played pretty well at the net, it is something I have worked on a lot.”

Andy does have one physical problem this week though: his back. He trained outside with his shirt off yesterday and is now paying the price.

“My back is on fire because I practiced yesterday with my shirt off … I got so burnt, which does not happen in Miami because the sun is obviously a bit stronger over here.”

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