Russia vs France

Anastasia Myskina vs Amelie Mauresmo:

It's a tough match for both of them - facing a fellow Top 10 player first up in the new season. I'm expecting Amelie to take this one. Can Anastasia surprise? You bet. Will she? It's almost CRUCIAL she does...

Marat Safin vs Fabrice Santoro:

Their H2H doesn't bode well for Marat but shines like a beacon for Fabrice. Marat may need to look past that to even the tie or Fabrice will once again frustrate Marat and possibly seal the tie for France.

Russia vs France:

Interestingly, it's Marat who will most likely be the X-factor in the match if it is to decide the tie. The women are both even in terms of doubles ability, with Mauresmo, perhaps, having the better volleying skills. With Fabrice on her side, a Grand Slam doubles champion, the Russians will need to rely on Marat keeping his cool to ensure Nastya can also play to the best of her abilities.

PREDICTION: France could sweep this 3-0 or win by 2-1, unless Anastasia can win her singles and then team well with Marat to win the mixed. The Russians are an unknown entity in the mixed. I think France has all the advantages in this tie. An upset is on the cards.

Your opinions?

Russians 2-1

I think France could possibly win 3-0 :eek:

I'll go with France 3-0 but the match Momo vs Myskina will be a very tough battle if 2003 is anything to go by!!!

I predict France wins 3-0

Mauresmo def Myskina
Santoro def Safin
Mauresmo/Santoro def Safin/Myskina

This is one of the most interesting one, i would say France/Russia: 2/1

Mauresmo def Myskina 6,4 6,2 :worship:
Santoro def Safin 6,3 4,6 6,2 :sad:
Myskina/Safin def Mauresmo/Santoro 7,6 7,5 :rolleyes:

IMO 2-1 for France, Russia winning double

Who are you guys supporting though? I'll be with Russia 100%!
GO RUSSIA!

Myskina def. Mauresmo 6-3 4-6 6-3
Santoro def. Safin 6-7 7-6 6-1
Mauresmo/Santoro def. Myskina/Safin 6-1 6-0

Glenn! What is that with the mixed doubles?! How about 6-3 6-3 at least?

it... will be 3-0 for Rusia OR France

.... depends on Myskina vs Momo....

I think France can provide the upset, but Anastasia is one of those very determined and plucky players that can cause all sorts of problems for big hitters like Amelie. Marat has reportedly been training very hard so it wouldn't surprise me if he beats Fabrice this time. I think the mixed should be close. Every rubber is important, so even if one team seals victory with the singles, they'll fight in the mixed, knowing everything counts. Fabrice is a good doubles player but Marat is very solid. Amelie has the shots but Anastasia has the brains. Both teams have a combination of touch and power. It makes for an exciting tie if all four players live up to expectations. All four players love playing for their country, so it may come down to which team has the fight and determination to pull out the win. I hope it goes down to the wire.

I don't want to choose. I'll be there to watch it myself.

marat vs fabrice. its bad enough he hasnt won a match since he came back (though they've all been close), he has to face his own demon/bogeyman in the start of the season!

France 3-0

In fact, I actually think that France can win Hopman Cup this year

I agree that it will depends on Marat's form at the moment.

I really hope the Russia wins...

Go Marat & Nastya!