Hopman Cup: Hewitt Bridges But The Aussies Falter

Session six of the Hopman Cup 2009 saw action between the Australians and the Slovak Republicans. If a punter would have predicted that this one would go down to the wire and laid all his money on the above supposition, he would have won this one.

It did go down to the wire and even though the ultimate result was not in the favour of the host country, the session was a thoroughly enjoyable affair.

When the proceedings started with the women's singles, Dellacqua and Cibulkova matched each other competitively (at least in the first set), although Cibulkova ended up winning the first fight.

The second however was a pretty Cibulkova affair and Cibulkova it was, till the very end. Dellacqua to do justice to her, did play and entertain well but whatever she did,it was either a bit too soon or a bit too late and sadly for her and her country; it was indeed too late to save the match.

Nineteen-year-old Cibulkova sensing blood, went straight for the jugular and Dellacqua was left gasping for breath.

However, there was hope still left with the Aussie fans: Lleyton Hewitt. The "Hewitt" who was hoping to make a fresh start this season after his injury filled itinary last year.

And Hewitt didn't disappoint. The pressure was on him and after a dismal performance yesterday against the Germans which the Aussie lost 1-2, it was mounting steeply. The one match consolation that the Aussies managed was once again courtesy: Hewitt.

He played; played on and on, rallied; rallied long and hard...in short did whatever it took him to bring the Aussies on par with the Slovakians.

Two down, one to go....both needed the victory; the Australians even more than the Slovakians. But the Slovakians did not appear to be the mood for a laid back attitude.

The Australians at first, appeared to have the momentum winning the first set; before the Slovakian team decided enough was enough. They didn't waste much time routing the Australians 6-3 and taking the match to a deciding tie-breaker which they won convincingly and as a result, the match too.

Australia are now virtually out of the contest unless they (especially Dellacqua and the doubles) weave some magic and play top-notch tennis. For now, I guess we can just wait and watch how things shape up.