Help
10/27/09 10:27 AM | Johan Lindahl
Andy Murray is set to make a high-profile debut at the Hopman Cup mixed team event starting on January 2, partnering with talented teenager Laura Robson.
The world No. 4 and his 15-year-old schoolgirl teammate will make up the first British entry in decades at the eight-nation event. Murray has recently been starting his season at the ATP tournament in Doha, where he has won the last two editions.
The Brits will be part of a Hopman field headed by top seed Australia, with Lleyton Hewitt back for a second year with Sam Stosur as his partner. Hewitt had to quit the event in 2009 after years of boycotts after developing an ear infection from what he said was a dip in a resort swimming pool.
Murray is currently out of action with a wrist injury which he hopes to test next week in Valencia. "I look forward to playing at the Hopman Cup with Laura," Murray said.
"I'm hoping it will be good preparation for the Australian Open. Laura is a great talent and it will be good to link up together playing for our country."
The US will also field a fresh generation of talent with newcomers Melanie Oudin and John Isner representing the five-time champions.
Oudin became the story of the US open after beating Russian seeds Maria Sharapova and Elena Dementieva before losing the quarterfinals to eventual finalist Caroline Wozniacki. The 41st-ranked Isner,a tree-topper at 6'10'', upset American hero Andy Roddick in New York before losing in the fourth round to Fernando Verdasco.
Other squads include Russia with Igor Andreev and Dementieva and Germany fielding Sabine Lisicki and Philipp Kohlschreiber.
Spain was confirmed with former winner Tommy Robredo playing for a fourth time, with Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez onside. Robredo took 2002 honors in Perth with Arantxa Sanchez Vicario.
Tell a friend »
Andy Murray boosts Hopman Cup field
19:32 AEST Tue Oct 27 2009
World No.4 Andy Murray hopes his participation at the 2010 Hopman Cup in Perth will prove to be the fixture tweak that helps break his frustrating run of failures at the Australian Open.
In four attempts, Murray has never made it past the round of 16 at Melbourne Park despite his rapid emergence as a powerhouse player on the world scene in recent years.
Since 2007 Murray has used the Qatar Open as his preparation for the Australian Open, winning two titles from three finals appearances in Doha.
But the 22-year-old's remarkable success in Qatar has failed to translate into wins in Australia, where he has flopped more than thrilled since turning professional in '05.
In a bid to change his fortunes Murray, a runner-up at the 2008 US Open, has decided to forgo his title defence in Doha in order to play at the Hopman Cup, where he will team with 15-year-old schoolgirl Laura Robson to represent Great Britain in the January 2-9 tournament.
"It's the first time he's chosen to prepare for the Australian Open in Australia so that's a big statement by Andy," Hopman Cup tournament director Paul McNamee said on Tuesday.
"He's never done well at the Australian Open.
"He's trying something different.
"He indicated through his management he wanted to do something different this year.
"They noticed (Novak) Djokovic (in 2008) and (Marat) Safin (in 2005) used the Perth route to win the Australian Open so they are giving it a shot.
"Andy wants to break through for his first grand slam."
Robson, who grew up in Australia, won the Junior Girls Singles title at Wimbledon last year and was runner-up at the Australian Open Juniors in January.
rest of article:
http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=920604
homos , 10/27/09 2:22 PM
Scan QR code to access Unibet mobile.
Bet on Sports wherever you are and whenever you like, with Unibet's quick and simple mobile client you can place bets, check results and see live odds.
For more info about QR codes & scanners click here.
Contact us
/ About us
/ Cookies
/ Recommended links
/ Advertise
/ Sitemap
Tennistalk v1.5.0
Disclaimer © 2001-2012, Moneytainment Media Ltd - All rights reserved
lucky perth fans!
homos , 10/27/09 2:18 PM