Special Sub-Topic: The Hopman Cup Click Here To Play: The Hopman Cup

Which country was the first to win the Hopman Cup twice?

Germany. Germany won the Hopman Cup in 1993 and 1995, Switzerland were next to win it twice, in 1992 and 2001, and the USA was third, winning it won the Hopman Cup in 1997 and then 2003.

Australia were forced to withdraw from the 2002 Hopman Cup tournament. Why did they have to withdraw?

Lleyton Hewitt had caught the chicken pox. Lleyton Hewitt came down with the chickpox and was unable to play. At this time, substitution with another player was not permitted and so Australia had to withdraw. Alicia Molik had a foot injury and had to withdraw in 2004. Mark Philippousis had an injury and withdrew in 2005 but was substituted by Paul Baccenello. Wayne Arthurs was injured in 2006 and was substituted by Todd Reid.

Which player was the first to make 9 appearances in the Hopman Cup?

Amanda Coetzer. Amanda Coetzer represented South Africa at 9 Hopman Cups, from Hopman Cup 1993 - 2001. Arantxa Sanchez Vicario represented Spain at 7 Hopman Cups 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1998, 1999 and 2002. Wayne Ferrera also appaeared in 7 Hopman Cups -representing South Africa in 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001. Mark Philippousis represented Australia at 5 Hopman Cups - 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2005.

Which of these players has represented more than one country at the Hopman Cup? Note: this does not include countries which appeared under different banners (eg the USSR, CIS and Russia, or Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic).

Monica Seles. Monica Seles represented Yugoslavia at the Hopman Cup 1991, and also USA at Hopman Cups 2001 and 2002. Jelena Dokic has only represented Australia, Mark Philippousis also Australia, and Tommy Robredo Spain.

Who was the Tournament Director for the first 20 Hopman Cups (1989-2008)?

Paul McNamee. Paul McNamee was a Davis Cup representative for Australia and retired from playing tennis in the 1970s. Lucy Hopman is the widow of Harry Hopman and lives in Florida, US. She comes to watch the Hopman Cup every year. John Newcombe and Margaret Court are both former Australian champion tennis players.

Which country has played in the first 20 Hopman Cup tournaments (1989-2008)?

Australia. Australia has played at every one of the first 20 Hopman Cups, including appearances by Lleyton Hewitt, Todd Reid, Pat Cash, Pat Rafter and several others. USA did not play at the inaugural Hopman Cup. South Africa played at 9 of the first 20 Hopman Cups, as did Switzerland.

Who was the inaugural winner of the Hopman Cup (played in 1989)?

Czechoslovakia. The Czechoslovakia team of Helena Sukova and Miloslav Mecir defeated the Australian team of Hana Mandlikova and Pat Cash 2-0 (the men's final was not played due to illness).

Where was the first 20 Hopman Cups played?

Burswood Dome, Perth WA. For Hopman Cups 1 - 20 the tournament was played at the Burswood Dome, in the suburb of Burswood WA. The advantage of this venue is that the teams and support crew can stay at the Burwood Casino Hotel complex just a short walk away. Subiaco Oval is where the Fremantle Football Club and the West Coast Eagles (AFL teams) play their home games. Wimbledon is home for the Wimbledon tennis Grand Slam event and Rod Laver Arena is part of the Australian Open Grand Slam complex.

What prize do the tournament winners receive for winning the Final at the Hopman Cup?

Diamond-encrusted tennis ball. A major sponsor for the Hopman Cup is Argyle Diamonds (the diamond mine is in the Kimberley region of WA) and each year the winning players receive a diamond encrusted tennis ball.

Which of these siblings have not played Hopman Cup together for their country, in the main draw of the Hopman Cup?

Cara Black and Wayne Black (Zimbabwe). All teams have participated in the Hopman Cup, however the Black pairing were eliminated in the play off stage in both Hopman Cup 1999 and 2005. Emilio Sancez and Arantxa Sanchez won the final in 1990. Mario Ancic and Sanja Ancic finished last in their group in the 2007 Hopman Cup. Andrei Medvedev and Natalia Medvedeva were finalists in 1995, losing to Germany.