Graf Ailing, Czechoslovakia Wins

Karel Novacek and Helena Sukova beat Boris Becker and ailing Steffi Graf in mixed doubles, 6-4, 6-4, Wednesday night, lifting Czechoslovakia to a 2-1 victory over Germany in the semifinals of the Hopman Cup at Perth, Australia.

Graf had a virus for the first two days of the event and defaulted from her singles match against Sukova with the players tied after two sets. Graf took the first set, 6-2, but dropped the second set, 6-1, losing the last five games.

The Czechs broke Graf’s serve twice, the only breaks of the doubles match. Officials later said Graf experienced dizzy spells, caused by a middle-ear problem that was a result of the virus.

Becker defeated Novacek, 6-2, 7-6 (7-1).