The Czech Republic thrashed France to lift its second Hopman Cup Saturday as world No. 2 Petra Kvitova sent warning signals to her closest rivals ahead of the Australian Open. Kvitova put her country ahead with the first victory of the day against Marion Bartoli, and her teammate Tomas Berdych wrapped up the contest beating Richard Gasquet, with neither dropping a set. The mixed doubles was not played. Unbeaten in her three previous singles matches in Perth, including beating world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki Friday, Kvitova was too good for ninth-ranked Bartoli. Kvitova won 10 of the last 11 games on her way to an impressive 7-5, 6-1 win, while Berdych, ranked seventh, overpowered the 19th-ranked Gasquet, 7-6 (7-0), 6-4. Berdych was thrilled to have claimed one of the unique diamond-encrusted tennis balls presented to the winners and he paid tribute to Kvitova's form during the tournament. “Petra won all that she can, and I had some wins, and we are able to be here with such a nice trophy.” Kvitova said it was the perfect start to 2012, as she eyes the first Grand Slam of the year starting Monday week in Melbourne. Tsonga bags Qatar Open Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defied treacherous conditions to defeat French compatriot Gael Monfils 7-5, 6-3 Saturday to win the 20th edition of the Qatar Open. Third seeded Tsonga claimed his eighth career title and a third win in four meetings with Monfils on a day when the final had to be halted early in the first set because of fog and a slippery court. Tsonga is the third Frenchman to lift the Doha trophy, following triumphs by Nicolas Escude in 2004, and Fabrice Santoro in 2000. Tipsarevic to play Raonic In Chennai, top-seeded Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia will meet big-serving Milos Raonic of Canada in the final of the Chennai Open Saturday. Raonic beat Nicolas Almagro of Spain 6-4, 6-4 and Tipsarevic ended Japanese qualifier Go Soeda's run with a 6- 1, 6-4 victory. Tipsarevic also qualified for the doubles final along with Indian partner Leander Paes. They will meet the Israeli pair of Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram.
