OWN CORRESPONDENT, Perth | Saturday 6.00pm.
SOUTH Africa found success in its eighth appearance at the $585000 Hopman Cup, beating qualifier Thailand 3-0 on the back of a pair of sterling singles performances to claim the trophy on Saturday.
Victory at the Burswood Dome on Rebound Ace, the surface of the upcoming Australian Open, was especially sweet for the longest- serving nation in the 12-year history of the event.
Amanda Coetzer and Wayne Ferreira were teaming for the fifth time together and could all but taste the desire to finally break through for the title.
They lost the 1997 finale to American Justin Gimelstob and Chanda Rubin.
“We’ve been trying for so long,” said Coetzer. “This means a lot to both of us.”
World number 11 Coetzer came back to defeat Tamarine Tanasugarn 3- 6, 6-4, 6-4 in the women’s singles to start the Africans off well after a two-hour, five-minute struggle.
Ferreira followed up to complete an untouchable 2-0 scoreline in the trophy tie with his 7-6 (14-12), 6-3 decision over big-hitting Paradorn Srichaphan.
With verdict clear the mixed doubles were reduced to a pro set, with South Africa winning 8-1.
“It was all well worth it,” said a happy Ferreira. “We’ve won one, we need another five more. The most important thing about tennis is the support and this is the best-supported event I’ve ever been to.”