January 4, 2016 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
The Ukraine team beat the team from the United States on the second day of the Hopman Cup on Monday, led by Elina Svitolina and Alexandr Dolgopolov.
American Serena Williams was schedule to play for the U.S., but withdrew before the contest because of knee inflammation, and Vicky Duval was tabbed to replace her in the match.
Ukraine quickly took the lead as Svitolina defeated Duval 6-2, 6-1, and soon after, Dolgopolov knocked off Jack Sock 6-4, 6-2 to clinch the win for the Ukrainians.
“It was a tough first set; I broke him early and we both struggled with the speed of the court. The second set I played much better and was much more solid and was really happy with the way I finished the match,” said Dolgopolov. “I had an elbow injury, and knee surgery in 2014. I took some time off and had a month’s preparation in Dubai and am playing quite well and feeling quite good now.”
While Duval & Sock would team up for a 6-2, 6-3 win at Mixed Doubles, the Ukrainian duo had already clinched the win.
Ukraine is now 1-0 in Group A, while the United States drops to 0-1 in the Hopman Cup standings.
