The Czech Republic thrashed France to lift their second Hopman Cup on Saturday as world number two Petra Kvitova sent warning signals to her closest rivals ahead of the Australian Open.
Kvitova put her country ahead with the first victory of the day against Marion Bartoli, and her team-mate Tomas Berdych wrapped up the contest beating Richard Gasquet, with neither dropping a set. The mixed doubles was not played. Unbeaten in her three previous singles matches in Perth, including beating world number one Caroline Wozniacki on Friday, Kvitova was too good for ninth-ranked Bartoli. Kvitova won 10 of the last 11 games on her way to an impressive 7-5, 6-1 win, while Berdych, ranked seventh, overpowered the 19th-ranked Gasquet, 7-6 (7/0), 6-4. Berdych was thrilled to have claimed one of the unique diamond-encrusted tennis balls presented to the winners and he paid tribute to Kvitova’s form during the tournament.