Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/315708
32 ITFWORLD SPRING 2014 FRanCe COnqUeRS hOpman CUp The French duo of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Alize Cornet handed France its first Hopman Cup title. Courtney Walsh watched their victory in the opening week of the season. S hortly after France claimed its first success in the Hyundai Hopman Cup, the pairing of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Alize Cornet erupted with joie de vivre. For there is no denying the sheer joy the combination — and in particular Cornet — experienced after France broke through for its first triumph in the 26th Cup held in Perth, Western Australia. With a scream of elation after Tsonga punched away a volley to end the hopes of the top-seeded Polish pair of Agnieszka Radwanska and Grzegorz Panfil in the deciding mixed doubles, Cornet bounced three times in the air and then into the arms of her partner to begin celebrations. "It feels great. I'm very happy that we made history and France finally won the Hopman Cup," Cornet said. "I think we deserved it. I'm happy I gave a good show to the crowd." That last sentence is indisputable, for Cornet proved a hit through the tournament at Perth Arena. Be it on the court, when featuring in some high- quality singles matches, or off it, when HOpMAN CUp previewing her New Year's Eve ballgown for the tournament's website and host broadcaster, Cornet proved a belle. After gleefully accepting a diamond- encrusted racket awarded to both winners, Cornet ensured she would be fondly remembered by seemingly swapping kisses and hugs with the entirety while Tsonga waited patiently — and jovially — with media to discuss the triumph. As Tsonga joked, at the completion of her playing career, Cornet should consider taking a "long plane ride… to Hollywood", so joyful were her theatrics. But the celebration was earned, for the Frenchwoman appeared close to collapse at one stage during a three-set loss to Radwanska. Their singles drew acclaim around the globe for the quality of play and courage. In the end, the Hopman Cup went to the nation that wanted it the most, but it was not before France outlasted Poland in one of the more competitive finals played. Although seeded first, the Polish proved the surprise packet of the eight- Alize Cornet and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga lift the mixed team trophy nation tournament. The lofty top seed status was attributed to Poland when a combination of Radwanska and rising star Jerzy Janowicz was announced by tournament organisers. But when Janowicz failed to overcome a knee injury, Panfil was drafted as a replacement and defied a ranking of 288 to become another crowd favourite. The left-handed Panfil pulled off the upset of the tournament when defeating star Canadian Milos Raonic, a victory that ultimately proved the difference in his side making the final. Nor was Panfil overwhelmed in the final when pressing the unbeaten Tsonga before falling 63 36 63. He was a star off the court as well. While Tsonga, who a year earlier had taken songstress Marcia Hines on a waltz around the stage at the New Year's Eve Ball, was more reserved this year, Panfil welcomed 2014 in spirited fashion. With Radwanska, a long-time friend, Panfil spent hours on the dance floor — mixed with regular sojourns to the stage to jive with the band — to the delight of those in attendance.