US give Russia swift exit

Monica Seles in fine form for her adopted country

The United States have ended Russia's chances of winning the Hopman Cup mixed teams tennis tournament with a 2-1 victory on Wednesday.

The match came down to the final set of the deciding mixed doubles, after Seles had beaten Elena Likhovtseva and Marat Safin had defeated Jan-Michael Gambill.

In a thrilling deciding 105-minute confrontation, Seles and Gambill edged out men's world number two Safin and partner Likhovtseva 4-6 6-2 6-2 to clinch the crucial tie.

It was the United States' second win in the competition, following their 3-0 drubbing of Slovakia on Monday. Russia had suffered their second successive loss against Belgium.

Safin had kept the Russians in the tie at the Burswood Dome when he defeated Gambill in the men's singles in three sets, 6-4 6-7 (6/8) 6-3.

I just hope I am not going to get into top form too soon

  Monica Seles

Seles, 27, had won the first rubber after using her vast experience to overcome a plucky Likhovtseva in the women's singles.

The former world number one romped home against the number 21 seed in straight sets, 6-3 6-3.

"I am playing pretty well and I am happy with my form," Seles admitted.

"I just hope I am not going to get into top form too soon - because I want to be playing well in two weeks during the Australian Open."

Safin satisfaction

Seles said she would love to help her adopted country to win the Hopman Cup.

She helped to guide her native country, Yugoslavia, to the title 10 years ago when she partnered Goran Prpic.

Despite his country's defeat, Safin was relieved to have worn down the hard-working Gambill in the singles after he had lost to Belgium's Olivier Rochus two days earlier.

"I just wanted to win today and I managed that, even though it was a difficult match," Safin said.

Easy for Switzerland

In the day's other match-up, Switzerland's Martina Hingis and team-mate Roger Federer underlined their red-hot favourite status by brushing aside Australia 3-0.

As supporters tinkled Alpine cowbells in the stands, Hingis destroyed Nicole Pratt in the women's singles, winning 6-1 6-1 in 47 minutes.

Then Federer accounted for Richard Fromberg 6-3 6-2, in an hour.

The Swiss completed a 3-0 clean sweep when they thrashed the Australians 6-1 6-3 in the mixed doubles.

Switzerland will make certain of figuring in the final of the event if they defeat current Hopman Cup champions South Africa in their remaining qualifying tie on Friday.