Slovakia clinched the Hopman Cup after Dominika Cibulkova and Dominik Hrbaty both won their singles matches in the final against Russia.

In the women's singles, Cibulkova defeated world No.3 Safina in three sets, 6-7 (3/7), 6-1, 6-4.

Then the 31-year-old Hrbaty also came from a set down to beat 29th-ranked Safin in another tight three setter, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 7-6 (7/3).


Dominika and Dominik have been friends for several years and Hrbaty said this helped the seventh seeds to upset more fancied opponents throughout the tournament.

"I think because we had a great team spirit we won it," he said.

"We didn't have by rankings probably the best team, but the team spirit was one of the best."

Cibulkova said it had been a thrill to team up with one of her tennis heroes -- as well as someone who hails from the same Slovakian club -- and take the title.

"He was my idol, I was watching the Davis Cup when they went to the final and was there screaming," she said.

"I am so glad to be here with him and that won is just an amazing feeling."

Remarkably, the Slovak Republic has now won six straight Ties at Hopman Cups, having also gone through HHCXVII undefeated when Hrbaty won with Daniela Hantuchova.

It makes Hrbaty a dual winner to move into the company of Serena Williams, James Blake and Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario.


(via AFP, photo/Reuters)

Slovaks claim third Hopman Cup