Czech Republic lived up to its Hopman Cup number one seeding, defeating Bulgaria 2-1 in Perth.
Women's world number two Petra Kvitova powered past Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova 6-4, 6-2 before men's world number seven Tomas Berdych overcame a plucky Grigor Dimitrov in three tough sets, 6-4, 6-7 (9-11), 6-3.
Dimitrov put up a good fight throughout the high-quality contest that lasted just over two hours, saving two match points in the second set tie-break before being outgunned in the third set.
"He was playing really well," Berdych said of Dimitrov.
"He's going to be really dangerous this year.
"But I'm pretty happy to start the year with a win. It gives you more confidence to have the first win of the year."
Earlier, Kvitova needed just 75 minutes to defeat Pironkova, with the comprehensive victory giving the Wimbledon champion a perfect start to 2012 after her breakthrough 2011 campaign.
Pironkova looked hesitant at times and did not have the guns to match Kvitova, who was far more clinical with her ground strokes.
Bulgaria won the dead mixed doubles rubber 2-6, 6-3, 11-9 (match tie-break).
AAP
Tags: tennis, sport, perth-6000 First posted January 02, 2012 17:33:14
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