Ukraine continue to take the Hopman Cup by storm in their first appearance for twenty-one years after posting their second win in two ties, this time against the Czech Republic. Alexandr Dolgopolov, who is looking to rekindle his best form of seasons gone by, showed that his courageous and unorthodox tennis continues to pose plenty of problems for opposing players as he took down hard-hitting Jiri Vesely 7-5, 7-6.
“I’m really pleased with the way I played today. I think he was playing quite well today as well so it was not easy. He was making some good shots. I’m happy to have a match like that. Once you start the year you’re always in form because you had a preparation … a lot of things have to come together to get the confidence, but I’m playing well”, said Dolgopolov.
Elina Svitolina then kept up her 100% record in the singles as well with a 7-5, 6-2 triumph over Karolina Pliskova that handed the eastern Europeans an unassailable lead before dropping the mixed doubles rubber 6-3, 6-1.
Ukraine still have to play Australia Gold but their place in the final could be sealed by then. Dolgopolov and Svitolina are slowly but surely looking like the team to beat and could hand their nation an unprecedented triumph in the world of tennis.
