Slovakia win Hopman Cup

Slovakia clinched the Hopman Cup for the second time as they took an unassailable 2-0 lead over Argentina in Saturday's final.

Former world number five Daniela Hantuchova [Images] put the third seeds ahead, recovering from a terrible start to beat Gisela Dulko 1-6 6-4 6-4.

Dominik Hrbaty, who had not lost a set in his three singles matches in the group stages, then upset world number seven Guillermo Coria 6-4 6-1 to help erase the memories of 2004, when the Slovaks lost to the United States in the final.

"I would like to congratulate Daniela," Hrbaty said. "I was so nervous watching her today, I almost had a heart attack.

"I also feel a little sorry for Guillermo because I get very excited whenever I play for my country. I show lots of emotions and played such good tennis today."

World number 31 Hantuchova, ranked two places above Dulko, had won two of her three matches in the run-up to the final but looked nervous as she dropped the first four games of the match.

Dulko, who had lost all three of her singles matches in the group stages, grew in confidence and took the opening set in just 27 minutes.

Hantuchova hit back to break in the opening game of the second set but neither player could take control as three consecutive service breaks put them level at 4-4.

The Slovakian broke again in the next game and finally held serve to level the match at one set apiece.

Dulko had an early chance to break in the second game of the deciding set, but the contest stayed with serve until the seventh game when a double fault from the Argentine gave Hantuchova the vital break.

The 21-year-old held for 5-3 and then clinched victory when Dulko pulled a forehand wide.

"I was so nervous because I really wanted to win for the team and for Dominik as he played so well all week," Hantuchova said.

"I didn't think I was playing my best but I just tried to hang in there and fight hard for every point for my country."

Slovakia won the Cup on their first appearance in 1998 when Karol Kucera and Karina Habsudova led them to victory over France [Images].

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