News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Home  » Sports » Venus to play Hopman Cup for first time

Venus to play Hopman Cup for first time

June 14, 2006 11:44 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Venus Williams will play in the Hopman Cup team competition for the first time in December, organisers of the Australian indoor event said on Wednesday.

The three-times Wimbledon champion will partner Taylor Dent for the United States at the Dec. 29-Jan. 5 event in Perth's Burswood Dome.

Venus WilliamsDent partnered Lisa Raymond to win the last Hopman Cup but tournament director Paul McNamee deviated from the normal policy of inviting the defending champions back to accommodate the five-times grand slam champion.

"We love to showcase new faces and exciting talent and Venus is one of the stars of the game that hasn't been here yet," McNamee said in a statement.

"She is back on the WTA Tour and in good form so I thought I would see if she would like to partner Taylor. Venus becomes the 19th number one to have played in 19 Hopman Cups, which exemplifies the quality of this event."

Reigning Wimbledon champion, Venus also won the grasscourt grand slam in 2000 and 2001, the same years she won the U.S. Open.

Venus follows in the footsteps of younger sister Serena who won the Hopman Cup partnering James Blake in the 2002-2003 event.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

New Zealand's tour of India 2024

New Zealand's Tour Of India, 2024