Czech Republic lose 2-1 to India

India upset the Czech Republic 2-1 in a thrilling first round tie at the Hopman Cup mixed team's event in Perth yesterday. The Indian pair of Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna won a tie-breaker in the deciding mixed doubles rubber for a 6-3 5-7 10-6...

India upset the Czech Republic 2-1 in a thrilling first round tie at the Hopman Cup mixed team's event in Perth yesterday.

The Indian pair of Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna won a tie-breaker in the deciding mixed doubles rubber for a 6-3 5-7 10-6 victory after the singles matches had been split.

Mirza had earlier confirmed her reputation as one of Asia's most promising female players with a clinical 6-2 6-2 win over Lucie Safarova.

But world number 13 Tomas Berdych levelled the tie with an identical 6-2 6-2 victory over Bopanna in just 46 minutes to set the scene for the deciding mixed doubles.

India were appearing in the Hopman Cup for the first time after winning the inaugural Asian version of the event in November and their unexpected win over the Czech Republic followed two other surprise results on Saturday's opening day.

The host nation Australia beat defending champions Russia and France upset the United States.

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