France off a flyer with 2-1 win over China

By Bill Scott Dec 31, 2011, 7:20 GMT

Perth, Australia - France ran out a 2-1 result over China to end 2011 with a victory on opening day Saturday at the Hopman Cup mixed team event, concluding with a crushing doubles rubber.

Marion Bartoli, who has been in Western Australia for a fortnight with her family, and recent arrival Richard Gasquet dominated French Open winner Li Na and number 421 rookie Wi Di in a doubles tie which insured the Group B victory in less than three-quarters of an hour, 6-1, 6-1.

'It was my first time with Richard on the court,' said the 2007 Wimbledon finalist, who had not been near a doubles court in half a decade. 'It was good to finish 2011 with this win.'

France have a long history at the eight-nation event, playing a final in 1998.

China's Li boosted her confidence with her comeback victory in the singles over Bartoli. Since her historic triumph at Roland Garros in May, the personable 29-year-old had won only seven of 19 matches.

Li dropped the first set against Bartoli in 44 minutes but found her confidence and form in the second set.

The world number five won the second set, then went down a break 2-3, getting the break back for 4-all.

The Frenchwoman gave it away two games later with a double-fault to set up a Li match point, with the Grand Slam winner earning victory as Bartoli returned long.

'I started played more aggressively after the first set,' said Li. 'In the first set it felt like she was playing so fast.

'I got used to it a bit after three or four games. I adjusted to the pace and played better and better. I knew if I stayed on the baseline I could not win this match.

'I had to play on more of the court, I made her move and tried everything to win.'

Wu, with his ATP experience limited to wild cards into Chinese events, went down as expected to Gasquet in the singles.

'I was the favourite, but the first match of year is always tough,' said the number 19 Frenchman, playing the event for the first time. 'I just want to play well this week and get ready for the Australian Open.'