Hopman Cup 2010: Russia gets past Germany

Russia defeated Germany 2-1 at the Hopman Cup today thanks to Igor Andreev and Elena Dementieva who won their mixed doubles match.

Andreev and Dementieva beat Sabine Lisicki and Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4 7-6.

Earlier, Lisicki beat Dementieva 6-4, 6-1 to give Germany an early 1-0 lead and Andreev beat Kohlschreiber 6-3 6-7 6-3.

"I don't know, maybe it's the kind of style of his play that is more comfortable for me," Andreev said. "Hopefully it continues like this with Philipp. It was a really tough match for both of us. We played some good points and I'm really happy to start the year with victory."

Dementieva was outplayed by Lisicki and wasn't helped by her 10 double faults.

"I've been working really hard in the last few weeks in the offseason, so I'm really happy to win that match," Lisicki said. "I want to get higher in the rankings. I did a great job last year so I'm looking forward to this year."

Dementieva struggled to counter Lisicki's return of serve and the German said that part of her game had been a big focus recently.

"I've been working on it and it's getting better and better," she said. "It's great to have a weapon like that."

Source AP