Date:05/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/05/stories/2009010558501700.htm

Sport - Tennis

Russia downs Italy

PERTH: The brother and sister combination of Marat Safin and Dinara Safina gave Russia an opening win over Italy at the Hopman Cup on Sunday.

Safin had 14 aces on his way to a 7-6(5), 6-4 win over Simone Bolelli in the second singles match.

Safina beat Flavia Pennetta 7-5, 6-3 to give Russia a 1-0 lead in the opener. In mixed doubles, Pennetta and Bolelli beat Safina and Safin 5-7, 6-4, 10-2.

Any match win counts for points which would be used in tie-breakers to determine placings later in the tournament.

“My serve saved my game today,” Safin said. “I couldn’t ask for a better start than that.”

The results; Group B: Russia 2 bt Italy 1 (Dinara Safina bt Flavia Pennetta 7-5, 6-3; Marat Safin bt Simone Bolelli 7-6(5), 6-4; Safina and Safin lost to Pennetta and Bolelli 5-7, 6-4, 10-2 (match tie-breaker). — AP