Spain bids farewell to Hopman Cup on high note

Spain on Friday earned its first Group A win at the 2019 Hopman Cup as it prevailed 2-1 over France to wrap up its participation in the tournament in the third spot.

The tie, however, brought bad news for Spain, as Garbiñe Muguruza was forced to pull out of the mixed doubles rubber due to a left thigh injury, reports Efe news.

The former world No.1's struggle began early in the women's singles rubber against Alize Cornet while leading 3-0 in the first set, when she took an eight-minute medical time out.

However, Muguruza got the job done as she defeated Cornet, who also struggled with back discomfort, 6-1, 6-3 in one hour and 15 minutes to earn her first singles win, having lost to Australia's Ashleigh Barty and Germany's Angelique Kerber.

Then, her compatriot David Ferrer battled past Lucas Pouille 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-2) in two hours and 48 minutes to grab his second men's singles win after defeating Australia's Matt Ebden and losing to Germany's Alexander Zverev.

With the moral victory secured, Muguruza decided to withdraw from the mixed doubles rubber and was replaced by Whitney Osuigwe of the United States.

The French duo eased past Osuigwe-Ferrer 4-2, 4-2.

Spain wraps up the round-robin in the third spot with one win and two defeats, ahead of France who lost its three ties.

Australia and Germany are competing for a place in the final, scheduled for Saturday.

Switzerland, comprising Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic, has already booked its place in the championship match as Group B winners.

--IANS

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