Injury dashes Italy's Hopman hopes

Canada earned a 3-0 victory over Italy on Thursday as Flavia Pennetta quit her singles with a right wrist injury, but the winners must now depend on Australia for the chance to reach the final of the Hopman Cup.

If the Aussies can beat Poland 3-0, that result will send Canada into the Saturday final.

A Polish win would put the winners through.

Pennetta lasted 15 minutes and four games as her surgically repaired wrist began to play up.

The 31-year-old hopes a few days of rest will allow her to continue preparation for the Australian Open.

"I'll have some treatment, and maybe don't play for one or two days to help," she said.

"It's more an inflammation, not like a tear or ligament. I had all my ligament already operated, so hope it's nothing worse.

"I'm supposed to play Hobart (next week), so I hope to be ready to play.

"I want to play before the Australian Open. But otherwise I'll take rest and try to be ready for Melbourne."

Eugenie Bouchard, who won 4-0, was sympathetic but pleased to be continuing good form that has marked the start of her season.

"I hope Flavia gets better really soon and can hopefully play the Australian Open," the No.32 19-year-old said.

"I feel good and I'm happy to start the year out playing well after finishing on a high note from last year. I feel like I'm in the same groove."

Number 11 Milos Raonic fired 10 aces and 21 winners for a 6-2, 6-4 win over Italy's Andrea Seppi. Canada won the mixed doubles rubber on a walkover.

Raonic is keen to continue his solid early 2014 form.

"It was night and day between today and my previous two matches.

"I had to take matters into my own hands. I took the initiative.

"We are leading into a grand slam, and you want to make the most of every competitive opportunity."