Sam Stosur put up a dogged fight before succumbing to Poland’s world No.5 Agnieszka Radwanska 3-6 6-4 6-3 in Thursday night’s Hopman Cup clash at Perth Arena.
Radwanska needed an injury time out midway through the second set to receive treatment on her heavily-strapped right shoulder.
But the 24-year-old bounced back strongly, levelling the match at one set apiece before securing the win in 143 minutes.
Poland’s victory levelled the tie at 1-1 after Australian Bernard Tomic recorded a 6-1 6-4 win over Grzegorz Panfil.
Poland will edge out Canada for a spot in Saturday’s final if they manage to win at least one set in the mixed doubles.
Stosur has lost all three of her singles matches at the Hopman Cup, but says the mixed-teams tournament was better for her preparation than the Brisbane International, where she made a first-round exit last year.
“Even though I’ve had three losses compared to one loss in Brisbane, I do feel better at this stage,” Stosur said.
“I would have loved to have won them all, or even one.
“But I’m getting that match play. I’m having some long matches, which is exactly what I need at this point in time.”
Tomic won two of his three singles matches at the Hopman Cup, and felt he was well prepared to defend his Sydney International title.
“I’m happy with this confidence leaving for Sydney,” Tomic said.
“If I have the chance to start the tournament well there I think I can defend it.
“But there’s a lot of good players during Sydney, I’ve got to prepare well.”
“I’m ready for it.”
Radwanska said her shoulder injury was something she needed to manage.
“I’ve had issues with the shoulder for a long time now,” she said.
“It was a little bit sore and tight. But I was able to continue.
“It’s a tendon. I’m getting inflamed as well. When you keep going, it’s not helping the shoulder .But it’s ok.”
Earlier in the day, Canada secured a 3-0 tie win over Italy after Flavia Pennetta was forced to retire from her match against Eugenie Bouchard due to a wrist injury.
World No.11 Milos Raonic beat Andreas Seppi 6-2 6-4 in the men’s singles rubber, and Canada were also awarded wins in the women’s singles and the mixed doubles when Pennetta withdrew while trailing 4-0 in the first set against Bouchard.
