The main talking point ahead of Monday’s action at the Hopman Cup was the return of Serena Williams to a tennis court after a four month absence but the fans that flocked to the Perth Arena were left to wait longer to see the world number one as she pulled out of USA’s tie against Ukraine just hours before citing a knee inflamation.
Williams had practiced in the morning before her scheduled match against Elina Svitolina but as tournament director Paul Kilderry put it, “common sense prevailed and she just thought today she can’t do it”.
Serena’s place in the team was taken by 656-ranked Victoria Duval who is coming back after being diagnosed with cancer in 2014. The challenge of facing Svitolina proved too much for Duval who was defeated 6-4, 6-1.
Svitolina mentioned after the game that she was “really disappointed (Williams didn’t play) and I hope she gets better. It was really surprising for me because I was preparing for her game and it’s probably why I didn’t play so well. It did (distract me in the first set) because you are ready to play and your energy goes down a little bit”.
Alexandr Dolgopolov then handed Ukraine the win with an easier than expected 6-4, 6-2 victory over Jack Sock and then the Americans saved some pride with victory in the mixed doubles by 6-2, 6-3.
USA will next face Australia Gold, which is made up of Lleyton Hewitt Jarmila Golfe, tomorrow. Williams is confident of taking part in this clash after having “every intention to play this morning. Unfortunately due to an inflamation in my knee I need to rest and am confident to be out there against Aussie Gold tomorrow evening”.
