Aussies bag Hopman Cup title

Perth - Nick Kyrgios continued his impressive run of form ahead of this month's Australian Open by powering the host nation to the mixed-team Hopman Cup title against Ukraine in Perth on Saturday.

Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova, playing for Australia Green, one of two teams representing the host nation, both won their singles matches in straight sets against Alexandr Dolgopolov and Elina Svitolina respectively.

Kyrgios, who defeated world No 2 Briton Andy Murray during his four-match winning run this week, brushed aside the challenge from Dolgopolov 6-3, 6-4 after the 36th-ranked Gavrilova had opened with a 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) win over Svitolina.

Australia's only previous Hopman Cup title came in 1999 while the last time they reached the final was 13 years ago.

The victories at the Perth event will boost world No 30 Kyrgios' confidence as he prepares for the first Grand Slam of the season beginning in Melbourne on January 18.