The Hopman Cup is one of my favourite tournaments. There’s something special about mixed teams, playing for their country to kick off the tennis year.

Here are some random thoughts after watching the Hopman Cup on TV this week.

1. Bernard Tomic has come a long way

Last time I saw Tomic I hauled out on a hot subway for an hour and scaled the heights of Arthur Ashe Promenade to see his match versus Andy Roddick at the US Open. In truth I was more there for Andy, but I was hoping for the blockbuster that never came.

Bernie has come a long way since then. His interviews this week, although not yet at Ash Barty standard, and not completely grammatically correct, showed respect and appreciation. Of course it helps that he has been playing well and winning, but I hope the Bernie v2013 attitude continues.

2. Ash Barty is a superstar in the making

A lot of people have known this for a long time now. Now a lot more people know it. Her talent, good nature and oversized cap will take her far.

Ash Barty at the French Open 2012

3. Players get injured early in the year

There are always injuries at the start of the season but it was tough to see Petkovic, Isner and Tsonga progressively withdraw from the Hopman Cup. In Petko’s case it was heartbreaking. I hope they all recover soon.

4. Aussie junior Thanasi Kokkinakis will be remembered

Kokkinakis made an impact this week when he stepped in to play for the USA after Isner’s withdrawal. Although his name, along with Pavlyuchenko, is on the list of those I will always need to check how to spell, I’ll be watching out for him in future.

5. The new Perth Arena looks great

I wish I was there to have a real opinion about the new arena but it looks great on TV and wins big points for having air conditioning under each seat. Being so close to the city and giving the public free access to the practice courts are also big pluses.

6. Ana Ivanovic wins best dressed

Ana’s hot pink dress looked great against the blue courts and her red sparkly number for the Hopman Cup ball was stunning. Have a look at her ball dress here.

Venus Williams also looked great throughout the tournament.

7. A year is a long time in hair

You know who I’m talking about.

Fernando Verdasco at last year’s Hopman Cup

See Verdasco’s current bun style do here.

8. Lucy Hopman is awesome

Harry Hopman’s widow Lucy travels from the USA to attend the tournament each year. She always has a big smile for the camera and I have total respect that she deals with the heat in order to watch the tournament.

Lucy Hopman with Tomas Berdych at last year’s Hopman Cup

9. Whoever thought up the Argyle diamond encrusted tennis ball prize is a genius

What other tournament has such a highly sought after prize that fits so neatly into the winners’ hand luggage?

The diamond encrusted tennis ball prize

Find out more about the prize money in this article from last year: Hopman Cup Prize Money.

Until next time

Grand Slam Gal