Perth, Australia, Jan 04: World number one Serena Williams gave Alicia Molik a sharp taste of reality today, blasting the Australian 6-2 6-3 in the Hopman Cup final. The 21-year-old south Australian has enjoyed the best results of her career this week at the mixed team event, but was helpless as Williams put the US into a 1-0 lead with ease.
A pair of breaks in both sets were enough as Williams cantered past the home hope without barely breaking sweat. Lleyton Hewitt must now beat James Blake to prevent the Hopman cup going to the United States for only the second time.


''It's really great - it's a wonderful team atmosphere and I have really enjoyed it, really enjoyed partnering James,'' Williams said.
''Hopefully we can close it out - we'll keep our heads up and our fingers crossed.''


Bureau Report