Romanian walkover has Spain on course for final

Hanescu had been hampered by an upper leg injury during his match with Tommy Robredo before deciding to retire after losing the opening set 6-3.

Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez had already put the No4 seeds ahead after she won the opening rubber against Sorana Cirstea 6-4, 6-3.

Hanescu, who had struggled with cramp towards the end of his opening match with Lleyton Hewitt on Saturday, called for the trainer after the third game before deciding he could not go on after conceding the set.

The Romanian did not play in the mixed doubles as he took a cautious approach to the injury with the Australian Open less than a fortnight away.

Spain’s win means they are the only team in Group A with a perfect 2-0 win-loss record and can only miss Saturday’s final if they lose their final tie with top seeds Australia 3-0 tomorrow.

“It was a sad way to end. I felt I was playing great so it was a shame Victor had the injury and we could not play on,” Robredo said. “I am looking forward to playing Australia to make the final. Playing Hewitt will be a tough match for sure. It will be a good game for the start of the year.”

The hosts kept alive their slim hopes of reaching the title decider after they secured a 2-1 win over the United States earlier yesterday. Australia suffered a shock loss to Romania on the opening day of the tournament but bounced back with Sam Stosur and Hewitt both winning their singles matches.