Intro:

France's hopes of winning their first ever Hopman Cup were given a major boost after they defeated the USA 2-1 in Perth on Wednesday.

Script:

New Years Day at the Hopman Cup kicked off with France against the United States - Alize Cornet against Sloane Stephens.

The crucial moment in the first set came at 5-5, Cornet looked to be in charge of the rally but this lazy volley would have the American, Stephens the chance to serve for the set.

The American came out on top, 7-5. The second set was far more straightforward and the World Number 12 despacted her French counterpart with some aggressive hitting.

Stephens raced through the set winning it 6-0.The initiative to the US - could John Isner double their advantage with victory against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga?

Going on their previous meetings, Isner was the clear favourite with a 5-1 win-loss record against the Frenchman.

This game was billed as the main attraction of the tournament so far, and it didn't disappoint.

Two of the biggest hitters on the tour went head-to-head, but Tsonga here pulled off a deft cross court shot to win this point early on.

Isner too had moments of brilliance, here at 4-4 crushing a forehand down the line, receiving praise from his opponent,

The first set went to a tie-break but it was rather one sided, Tsonga taking it losing just a single point following this backhand.

The second set went with serve until the pivotal eighth game.

A stunning return by Tsonga off a huge Isner serve the highlight, as he broke to go ahead 5-3.

No problem in the ninth - 7-6, 6-3 the outcome in Tsonga's favour - and the tie level at one rubber apiece.

On to the deciding doubles - and things were soon going very badly wrong for the American duo.

Stephens and Isner were crushed 6-1 - but regrouped and fought back in the second.

They edged that 7-5 - but struggled to keep their momentum going in the Championship tiebreak.

A Tsonga winner sealed it 10-5 in that tiebreak - France will reach the final of the mixed-teams event if they beat winless Spain on Friday.