Sports Scene bounces along to tennis, and the start of the Hopman Cup. The eight-nation mixed team event typically signals the start of the new season. And with the calendar turning to 2018 many are hoping to turn the page on the previous year, including Thanasi Kokkinakis. The 21-year-old was seen as a rising star, but has gotten into injury problems and had not played a match since last year's US Open. He would be put to the test as he carried the flag for the hosts, Australia against Canada in the opening match of the tournament.

It would be the women first. Daria Gavrilova on the left, facing the lovely Eugenie Bouchard of Canada.  

World number 22 Gavrilova in blue blasts a forehand winner to take a 5-love lead en route to a 6-1 first set drubbing.  

Former Wimbledon finalist Bouchard is more competitive in the second. On match point, Gavrilova hits the net and Bouchard sends it long to lose the second 6-4, handing the Aussie a straight sets victory and a 1-love lead in the team tally.

In a match of who wore it better, the aforementioned Kokkinakis on the right, faces Canada's Vasek Pospisil.  

In the ninth game of the opening set, Pospisil at the bottom of your screen, uncorks a wild forehand that goes way out. The Aussie breaks to lead 5-4, and serves out the frame next game.  

In the second, Kokkinakis is now in the near court facing break point, and he can't control the pace of Pospisil's big forehand as he stabs it into the net. The Canadian goes up 5-3, and the World No. 109 later takes the set.  

We jump to the sixth game of the decider, Pospisil with break point, but Kokkinakis gets lucky with the net then passes the Canuck and later holds serve.  

The World number 211 seals victory when Pop pops one into the net. Kokkinakis takes the third 6-3 giving Australia a 2-love lead. Canada would win the dead doubles rubber, but the hosts grab an opening victory against the team from the Great White North.