The Hyundai Hopman Cup begins in Perth this week, featuring Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Justine Henin.
The Hopman Cup has become an integral part of the build-up to the Australian Open over the past 21 years. Legends such as Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Martina Hingis, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and many more have all used the competition as a vital part of their preparations for Melbourne.
It's one of the few chances players get to represent their countries in a team environment. Teams are mixed and for each match there's two singles rubbers followed by a mixed doubles. There's two groups of four and the group winners play off for the Hopman Cup in Saturday's final.
The 2011 competition is star-studded. Great Britain came narrowly close to winning last year, losing out to Spain in the final and with Andy Murray they should have a good chance of success again. Italy are their main competitors in Group B with French Open champion Francesca Schiavone competiting for them.
In Group A, there's an abundance of big names. Serbia are the favourites to win this year and with Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic it's hard to see past them. Justine Henin is competing for Belgium and her match with Ivanovic should be a good one while two-time Hopman Cup finalist Lleyton Hewitt lines up for Australia.
