Sport
Venus Williams rallies for victory to lead USA past France 2-1 at Hopman Cup
Venus Williams defeats Mathilde Johansson at Hopman Cup on Tuesday January 1. 2013. PHOTO/Getty Images
Venus Williams lifted the United States to victory in its Hopman Cup tie against France on Tuesday.
Venus Williams and John Isner of the United States beat the French team of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Mathilde Johansson 2-1 to remain unbeaten in the mixed teams tournament, but only after a remarkable comeback led by Williams.
After Tsonga defeated Isner in straight sets, Williams looked down and out when she dropped the first set to Johannson and trailed 4-1 in the second.
Williams, a seven-time grand slam champion initially appeared restricted in her movement and lacking the usual power in her game, however, she regained her composure and recovered to win in three sets, 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.
The Williams/Isner pair then claimed the tie with a come-from-behind 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 10-8 win in a match tie-break in the deciding mixed doubles, where Williams again lifted them to victory as Isner continued to struggle with his game.
Williams admitted even she thought the match against Johannson had slipped away.
“I was thinking that if I am going to lose this match, let me at least try to work on my game with the Australian Open coming up,” she said of the second set.
