Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/315708
ITFWORLD SPRING 2014 33 www.itftennis.com Petra Kvitova was unbeaten all week Agnieszka Radwanska helped Poland to the fi nal Not surprisingly, the Pole described it as the best week of his career. Before the Hopman Cup, the 26-year-old had pocketed $A154,294 in earnings but he left Perth with another $A90,000, the biggest pay day of his life. France's first title drew it level with the host nation, Australia, which had high hopes that ultimately came to nought. Big things were expected of the pairing of Bernard Tomic and Samantha Stosur but their title chances diminished significantly when they faltered in singles rubbers to Raonic and Eugenie Bouchard on the opening night. Although Tomic hit his straps in singles after that, the 2011 US Open champion Stosur failed to find the confidence- boosting singles win she was seeking, though her clashes with Bouchard, Radwanska and Flavia Pennetta were all quality affairs. The Canadians also proved popular through the week, with a recording of Bouchard's visit to the beautiful Cottlesloe Beach notching well over 16,000 hits on YouTube. Raonic's selfless decision to stand in for injured American John Isner in the final round-robin meeting of the tournament was well received by tournament organisers and fans. His clash with Czech Republic's Radek Stepanek, who partnered the unbeaten Petra Kvitova in the tournament, proved highly entertaining. But it was the joy on the faces of Tsonga and Cornet, and their pride in claiming France's first-ever title, that ensured this was a triumphant Hopman Cup. Milos Raonic in action for Canada "It feels great. I'm very happy that we made history and France finally won the Hopman Cup. I think we deserved it." - Alize Cornet Bernard Tomic and Samantha Stosur couldn't meet home fans' expectations Grzegorz Panfil made an impressive late addition to the event Sloane Stephens teamed with John Isner for USA