Slovakia face U.S. in Hopman final
PERTH, Australia (Reuters) -- Australia were forced to pull out of the Hopman Cup final on Friday after Alicia Molik's foot injury proved more serious than initially hoped.
The hosts will be replaced by Slovakia in Saturday's showpiece match against the United States.
A scan on Molik's left foot revealed a partial tear to an ankle ligament. The team's withdrawal means Lleyton Hewitt's eagerly-anticipated match against James Blake will not now take place.
"It is out of my hands," Molik said.
"I have spoken to Lleyton this morning. You know, these things happen and Lleyton was very understanding. If I could have played I would be out there."
The recurrence of an old injury could also keep Molik out of the Australian Open which begins on January 19.
"I will play when my foot it better. Whether that is in a week or in a couple of months I just don't know.
"I am going back to Melbourne today to see my doctor and we will take it from there."
The Slovaks, with a win over qualifiers Hungary and victory over Australia when Molik pulled out last night, will face the U.S. after Lindsay Davenport secured their spot on Friday.
The former world number one comfortably beat Anastasia Myskina 6-4 6-4 in the opening match of America's clash against Russia.
Under the rules of the mixed team competition, Russia had needed to sweep the U.S. without losing a set to pip their rivals into the final.
In any case, the U.S. clinched victory when Blake beat Marat Safin 6-7 7-6 6-4 in a contest which featured some sublime strokeplay. The Americans then teamed up to win the mixed 7-5 6-4.
In the day's other clash, France beat the Czech Republic 2-1.
Amelie Mauresmo beat Barbora Strycova 6-3 6-4 before Jiri Novak hit back with a 6-1 4-6 6-2 victory over Fabrice Santoro.
The French pair took the doubles 6-3 6-4.
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