Williams nudges US into Hopman final

The performance made it impossible for the hosts to reach the last day by eliminating the possibility of a 3-0 Australian sweep.

 The US owns four titles at the eight-nation team event, including one from Williams and James Blake in 2003.

 Williams said she remains motivated by the diamond-studded tennis balls given to each of the trophy winning players. The American said her serve made the difference against Molik.

 "My serve was working really well, I'm so proud of it. It's really exciting, I hope I can keep serving like this over the next weeks (of the Australian Open)"

   Williams advanced in 85 minutes, breaking Molik twice in the first set and winning after the Australian saved a first match point in the concluding game.

 On the side court on a day of double-up sessions, Lucie Safarova put the Czech Republic into a 1-0 lead over India as she beat Sania Mirza 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, with the Indian briefly needing attention to a back problem.