Federer in fine form as Switzerland win Hopman Cup

Roger Federer became the most successful player in Hopman Cup history when he led Switzerland to a 2-1 win in an enthralling final of the mixed teams tournament in Perth Saturday.

In what is tipped to be the final edition of the unique tournament, the best was saved for last as Federer became the first player to win three Hopman Cups, teaming with Belinda Bencic to make it successive titles in Perth.

For the second year in a row, the Swiss beat the German pairing of Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber by claiming a deciding mixed doubles rubber which was loaded with drama.

It was Switzerland's fourth title overall, behind only the United States with six, and Federer first won the Hopman Cup back in 2001 when he teamed with Martina Hingis.

In the men's singles, Federer defeated fourth-ranked Zverev 6-4, 6-2. It was a high-octane match, with plenty of big serves and clean winners, but Federer was able to answer everything the 21-year-old threw at him.

He broke Zverev in the 10th game of the first set and then tightened the noose on the German, with two more breaks in the second set.

Federer, who also beat Zverev in three sets in last year's Hopman final, clinched the match with a typically crisp forehand volley.

Ahead of his Australian Open title defense, the 37-year-old Federer didn't drop a set in four singles matches at the tournament, beating Frances Tiafoe, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Cameron Norrie and Zverev.

''I'm happy I'm feeling this good and playing as well as I am,'' Federer said. ''It's good to finish on a singles performance like this. I'm a bit surprised that the matches have gone as well as they have.''

Kerber squared the tie by beating a dogged Bencic to set up the mixed doubles decider. But Federer was a dominant figure in an extraordinary doubles match as the Swiss claimed the abbreviated format 4-0, 1-4, 4-3 (5/4) to clinch the title despite Germany having two match points.

Fittingly, it was Federer who served out the match in the third set tie-break, having been unable to do so earlier in the set.

The tournament came down to a single point at 4-4 in the third set tie-break, with both teams holding match point and after an extended rally Zverev dumped a backhand into the net to hand the Swiss victory.

Federer also became the first player to win successive Hopman Cups and said the records were a nice bonus for winning the title.

"I am very happy for these records, although I didn’t come here for that," he said.

"Winning it back-to-back years, what a thrill it was, not just the match point but the whole week. It's great fun. I'm proud to represent my country. It's been a super pleasure teaming with Belinda."

Switzerland's first win in the competition was secured by Manuela Maleeva-Fragniere and Jakob Hlasek in 1992.

Zverev and Kerber were despondent after the loss and the former said it was a tough pill to swallow.

"We really wanted to win as a team," Zverev said. "We came so close - we were one shot away."

Date: 6 January 2019, Source: AFP and AP

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Federer enjoys impressive start to new season

Roger Federer started preparation for his Australian Open title defense in style with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Cameron Norrie at the Hopman Cup on Sunday.

The 37-year-old Federer sent his 23-year-old opponent from Britain back to reality in a one-sided match lasting just 57 minutes.

The No. 91-ranked Norrie had defeated Greece's No. 15-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets on Saturday in one of the biggest victories of his career, but was outclassed in his first match against Federer.

“This was a great start but obviously a long way to go here and in Melbourne,” Federer said. “It's nice that I'm feeling as good as I am and played a wonderful match against Cameron.”

Federer started the match nervously and dropped the first three points, but dug out of a hole with trademark clutch serving. He discovered his groove by dominating Norrie's serve and broke in the second game with a powerful cross-court backhand winner.

Federer moved the British player around by crisply hitting the lines as he won five games in a row to take control of the set. Norrie saved two set points in the sixth game to get on the scoreboard and earn applause from the near capacity crowd.

Norrie seemed momentarily inspired as he gained two break points before Federer once again recovered to close out the first set in 31 minutes.

The 20-time Grand Slam singles champion broke immediately in the second set and looked sharp as he cruised to an easy first-up victory in the tournament as defending champion Switzerland went on to beat Britain 3-0 in Group B.

Belinda Bencic defeated Katie Boulter 6-2, 7-6 (0) in the women's singles to clinch the match before Federer and Bencic teamed up to prevail over Norrie and Boulter 4-3 (4), 4-1 in the mixed doubles in the Fast4 format.

Federer's appearances at the past two Hopman Cups laid the groundwork for successful Australian Open campaigns.

“It was very good. I came out of the blocks quick. I wasn’t missing any rhythm. I’m happy in all aspects of my game that things were working - foot work, offensive play, serve, return - it was all there. It was a great match for me.”

Although thrilled with his first-up performance, Federer doesn’t want to get too carried away just yet.

“It’s still early days, but I feel like I’ve played some sets and points in practice, so you kind of know where you are,” Federer said.

“I guess what you’re seeking here is confirmation to see is everything there that you thought there was, or is there any fixing still to be done in the coming weeks. We are still learning.”

Date: 30 December 2018, Source: AP and Hopman Cup

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Federer wins Hopman Cup for Switzerland

Switzerland are the Hopman Cup champions for the third time after Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic combined to topple Team Germany’s Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber 4-3 (3), 4-2.

19-time Grand Slam champion Federer, who lifted the trophy alongside Martina Hingis back in 2001, won all four of his singles contests, whilst a rejuvenated Bencic helped maintain an unbeaten Swiss record in the mixed doubles.

“After all these years I can’t believe I’m here again,” noted Federer. “It’s absolutely amazing. I’ve lost count of the years, I’m thrilled to win the Hopman Cup again with Belinda, it’s been a pleasure to partner you this week, well done.”

“I want to congratulate Team Germany for making the final,” said Bencic having lifted the trophy. “You played a great tournament and Angie was just too strong for me today. I’m so glad we made it in the mixed this time.

“Thanks to Roger for playing with me. It really is a dream come true. I couldn’t wish for a better partner,” she added with a beaming smile. “I’ll never forget this week, it’s been unbelievable.”

Earlier, Federer outplayed Zverev 6-7 (4), 6-0, 6-2 to begin an enthralling final. The contest was levelled by Kerber defeating Bencic 6-4, 6-1.

“I couldn’t be more happy, I thought I played great throughout,” said Federer. “Sascha definitely dropped his level a bit in the second and third sets, but I was able to take advantage of it and most importantly put Team Switzerland ahead.

“I was trying to play as aggressive as possible. I’m maybe better when we’re closer together,” explained the reigning Australian Open champion.

“The court plays fast, so it helps if you approach the net and do it the right way. It was working out well, so I thought I’d keep going until I had to fix it. That never happened, so I was able to cruise all the way through.

“It’s nice. I work part time now,” quipped the 36-year-old, suggesting he attacks frequently to avoid long baseline rallies. “I work in the morning, I’m off in the afternoons. It’s good being a dad, it’s good being a husband and it’s good being a tennis player.”

Walking into meet the media after the final, both smiles were drawn from cheek to cheek, it was evident how much this meant to both players.

“It’s kind of surreal. When you first play Hopman Cup you think you’ll be back every year, then all of a sudden, your plans change, your life changes and you have different preparations,” reflected Federer.

“It was already amazing to be back last year. We had a great time. This year round, getting it done is an incredible feeling.”

Perth is a unique place for Federer. In 1999, he was a hitting partner for national tennis treasure Martina Hingis and Ivo Heuberger. In 2001 he lifted the trophy alongside Hingis and in 2002 he teamed up with his now wife Mirka.

“Every trip has been very memorable for me,” recalled the world No. 2. “It’s a totally different feeling to when I won with Martina because I was the apprentice and she was the Master. Maybe this time it’s the other way round.

“There is just a lot of positivity. It was a great week as a team, but also personally in singles I played great. I just have to pace myself in the lead up to Melbourne and I’ll be ready,” claimed the reigning Australian Open champion.

“I’m just excited to go back to Melbourne, where I had my fairytale 2017 run.

“It’s great to be the defending champion, but I will go about it the right way, I won’t be putting any extra pressure on myself.”

Date: 6 January 2018, Source: Hopman Cup

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Federer in fine fettle as Switzerland beat Russia in Hopman Cup

Roger Federer subdued a feisty Karen Khachanov while Belinda Bencic outlasted Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to help Switzerland beat Russia 3-0 in the Hopman Cup on Tuesday.

Federer won 6-3, 7-6 (8) as his Australian Open preparation gained momentum but the 19-times grand slam champion was pushed hard in the second set by the 21-year-old in front of a record crowd of 13,943 at the Perth Arena.

Playing with little inhibition and plenty of power, Khachanov broke Federer early on before the Swiss switched gears to march ahead and take the opening set in 29 minutes.

Federer, who beat Khachanov in straight sets at Halle last year in their only previous meeting, showed his experience in the second-set tie breaker that swung back and forth and clinched the contest on his third match point.

"It was nice to see him free swinging the entire match, which isn't easy to do," Federer said of his opponent.

"I remember those days, match point down, you go for it, you don't care. That is what you have to remind yourselves sometimes when you're older, to go for it. He mixed up the play well, so it was a tough match for me.

"The tiebreak was close, it was good to play that early on in the season, to play those nervy situations with the pulse up high, you're sweating loads. The match had a bit of everything, so I'm very happy with the performance."

Bencic had a tougher outing against world number 15 Pavlyuchenkova but prevailed 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 before teaming up with Federer to win the mixed doubles dead rubber and will face USA on Thursday to vie for a ticket to the final.

Date: 2 January 2018, Source: Reuters

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Sharp Federer gives Switzerland winning start at Hopman Cup

Roger Federer dismissed Japan's Yuichi Sugita 6-4, 6-3 in just over an hour on Saturday to give Switzerland a winning start at the Hopman Cup and send out a signal to his opponents ahead of next month's Australian Open.

Coming off a fruitful year which yielded two Grand Slam titles, world No. 2 Federer looked fit and sharp while other members of tennis' "Big Four" are grappling with injury issues.

Federer hurried to save a break point in his first game but otherwise did not have any trouble against the 29-year-old Sugita, whom he broke in the fifth game, and there was no looking back from there.

"This year I feel much more in a rhythm," Federer said. "You get to break point or the moment where you have to serve the first time of the year, and it’s a normal thing.

"Last year, I was like I hope I'm going to be able to hit my first serves, and I hope it's going to work out as much as it did in the practice.

"I think all those question marks aren't really there this time around, which is a nice thing.

"I think it was a great start."

The 19-times Grand Slam winner, who will be defending his title at Melbourne Park next month, was happy with the way he coped with the demands of the game.

"I feel the game has evolved again in the last 10 years or so," Federer said. "I have made some adjustments to my game, I'm trying to hit through the backhand a bit more, maybe I have a bit more pop on the serve and naturally the whole rally has changed because you have different options.

"I think I'm playing very well, otherwise I wouldn't be having the results that I'm having. I'm happy I'm still playing at this level. I was always hoping to play for a long time and I'm doing that."

Federer said his body was feeling great, and he was pleased with his first outing.

"I’m just very happy I was able to have a good level today, and stay calm under pressure," added Federer. "I had some good moments moving forward to the net and playing up in the court.That’s how I want to play for the year."

Belinda Bendic beat Naomi Osaka 7-5, 6-3 in the women's contest to clinch Switzerland's victory in the round-robin stage of the mixed team event.

In the mixed doubles the Swiss completed a clean sweep of the tie with a 2-4, 4-1, 4-3 (5/1) win under the Fast4 format.

Date: 30 December 2017, Source: Reuters, AFP and Hopman Cup

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Ferderer plans to keep expectations in check for 2018

Roger Federer did not know what to expect when he touched down in Australia in 2017.

The then 17-times grand slam champion was 35 and coming back from a first surgery-enforced absence to the sport he dominated for more than a decade from his maiden Wimbledon title in 2003.

The six months off, however, appeared to be positively cathartic as he provided arguably the major talking point of the tennis circuit by reviving a career that pundits thought could be over with the injury.

He beat Rafael Nadal in an epic final to win his fifth Australian Open crown and then clinched his eighth on the grass courts of Wimbledon to finish the year with seven titles and the world number two ranking.

However, Federer, who begins his 2018 campaign at the combined teams Hopman Cup tournament in Perth, recognizes that while expectations this year might be a little higher, he was trying to ensure they did not get out of control.

And after touching down in Perth ahead of the Hopman Cup, Federer said: "I had a great off season. I mean, I did have a good off season too last year but I just wasn't sure what to expect.

"Now expectations are higher but at the same time I try to remind myself just don't think it's normal and realistic to aim for the same things I did this year in 2017.

"I've got to try and keep it cool. Try my best and see what happens but the preparation's been good so far. We'll see how things go."

Federer previously used the Kooyong invitational tournament to warm up for the Australian Open but returned to the Hopman Cup last year to team up with compatriot Belinda Bencic, where the pair finished second in their group.

"It worked out perfectly this year, winning at the Australian Open. Of course, that's a good omen. I hope that winning or losing the Hopman Cup is going to be good for me.

"Obviously looking ahead to Melbourne, I really hope that Hopman Cup's going to give me everything I need here.

"I had a wonderful time in 2017. I can't wait to see all the fans again because they came out in big numbers and supported me," Federer said of starting the season in Perth, where he and his 20-year-old partner will face Japan, Russia and the U.S. in group play.

Date: 28 December 2017, Source: Reuters and Omnisport

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Federer beats Gasquet, but Swiss lose at Hopman Cup

Roger Federer overwhelmed Richard Gasquet 6-1, 6-4 in under an hour at the Hopman Cup on Friday to signal his return to form following a long six months injury layoff.

Returning this week after six months out of action, the Swiss 17-times grand slam champion beat Briton Dan Evans before suffering a three-set loss to German teenager Alexander Zverev at the mixed team event in Perth, Australia.

Federer barely missed a groundstroke, getting his first break of serve in the fourth game of the match and dominating proceedings from that point on. He also sent down 11 aces in nine service games.

Federer's 58-minute masterclass against Frenchman Gasquet in front of more than 13,000 spectators, however, should reassure his fans ahead of the year's first grand slam at Melbourne Park later this month.

"It was completely different to the previous two matches," the 35-year-old said after putting Switzerland 1-0 up against France at the Perth Arena.

"Every opponent makes your life difficult in a different way, trying to make it as hard as possible. Today was great, I had many more swings on the ball... had a bit more time.

"It's the third match into the year so I am starting to feel the ball better and better and just moving around the court better, so I am really pleased.

"I'm surprised how I'm playing already. Could not be more happy right now."

The former world number one has slipped to 16th in the rankings but was happy with his form against Gasquet who is 18th on the list.

"It's only the beginning, hopefully many more matches to come. I'm just very pleased to be on court. I did enjoy the last six months out, I enjoyed the last 18 years playing, so I'll stay around for a little bit long, if I can."

But the singles masterclass from Swiss champion was not enough to stop the French pairing of Richard Gasquet and Kristina Mladenovic winning through to the Hopman Cup final.

Mladenovic squared the tie with a three-set win over Belinda Bencic, before the French claimed the deciding mixed doubles.

The doubles was played in the Fast4 format of four-game sets, no deuces, and no service lets.

Date: 6 January 2017, Source: AP and Reuters

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Federer loses close match to Zverev, but Swiss take the tie at Hopman Cup

Roger Federer hit a road bump on his comeback trail from injury, losing to German teenage sensation Alexander Zverev in three sets at the Hopman Cup in Perth on Wednesday night. The 17-time grand slam title winner went down 7-6 (1), 6-7 (7), 7-6 (4) in 150 minutes.

The 35-year-old Federer was playing his second match since returning from a six-month layoff - having been sidelined since Wimbledon with knee and back injuries.He led 5-2 in the first set, but ran into an opponent whose first-serve percentage exceeded 80 percent midway through the final set.

There wasn't much between the two throughout.

In the second set, Federer only lost four points on serve, but found himself in a second tiebreaker.

In the third, he remained calm as he saved two break points in his second service game; and another before taking a 5-4 lead.

But Zverev wouldn't go away - and with first serves consistently over 200km/h he showed why he's gaining so much attention in world tennis.

He now he holds a 2-1 record over Federer, downing him in Halle, Germany before Wimbledon last year.

Yet Federer believes he got exactly the type of workout he needs to see where his game is right now, as well as his powers of recovery. The result was, in a sense, a secondary concern.

“Who really cares, as long as I am playing injury-free and feeling good,” Federer said.

“I actually pulled up really good after the first match and the mixed, the next day, so this one will feel different.

“I’ll feel muscle pain, which is also one of the reasons why I came here, to have that pain in my body, so hopefully if I do have a tough match at the beginning in Melbourne I don’t have to go through it as extreme over there.

“I’m very happy. I have played five good sets so far. I am very pleased.”

“It was good to play two and a half hours. It is a great number to compete in, which is why I was really pushing to win the second set, to extend the match and get me into a tough, long match.”

In the end it turned out to be a winning evening for Federer and Swiss partner Belinda Bencic against Germany. Bencic beat Andrea Petkovic 6-3, 6-4 in their singles match, and then Federer and Bencic combined in mixed doubles to beat Zverev and Petkovic 4-1, 4-2 in the Fast4 format.

A place in Saturday’s final is now at stake for Federer and Bencic - the winner of the Switzerland and France tie on Friday night earns the opportunity to compete against USA.

Date: 4 January 2017, Source: AP and AAP

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Federer wins 1st match on return, Switzerland beats Britain in Hopman Cup

Roger Federer returned from six months on the sidelines with a knee injury to beat Dan Evans 6-3, 6-4 on Monday and lead Switzerland to an opening 3-0 win over Great Britain at the Hopman Cup mixed teams tournament.

The 17-time major winner missed the French Open last year, ending a run of 65 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments, and hadn't played competitively since re-injuring his surgically repaired left knee at Wimbledon in July. But he showed no signs of rust in his 61-minute win over Evans.

''I would like to live it again. I'm a little bit sad it's over, because it was so nice out there,'' Federer said of his return. ''I was actually quite emotional. When I walked down, I was like, Oh my God, this is better than I thought it would be.''

The 35-year-old Federer said it was the kind of feeling he missed the most while he was sidelined.

"It felt good putting the match shirt back on, and serving first, and then trying to serve it out at the end.

"They are the moments I miss the most, even though those are the ones that make you nervous.

"That’s what you play tennis for. I thought for a first match it was great, because my expectations were obviously quite low."

Belinda Bencic held off Heather Watson 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 later Monday to give Switzerland an unbeatable 2-0 lead.

Federer and Bencic easily completed the sweep in the mixed doubles, beating Evans and Watson 4-0, 4-1.

Federer said he's looking for as many matches as possible in Perth ahead of the Australian Open, which starts 16 January in Melbourne. He hasn't won a Grand Slam title since 2012 at Wimbledon, and hasn't won the Australian Open title since 2010, but hasn't given up hope of extending his record in the majors.

''After all these years, it would be nice to win another one - of course I'd even take two or three or four,'' he said. ''We'll see. It's tough at the top. A lot of good guys are there right now, a lot of young guys are coming up too. The gap is definitely not very big but I'll give it a chance, and see what happens."

Federer said he had spent plenty of time on conditioning during his break from the game and felt pain free.

"For three or four weeks now I’ve stopped thinking of it, because I don’t have any reactions anymore," Federer said.

''I don't have any pain. It's been nice that I was able to get rid of that early.''

Switzerland is set to play Germany on Wednesday and France on Friday, with the winning team in Group A qualifying for Saturday's final.

France beat Germany 2-1 earlier Monday, with Richard Gasquet defeating Alexander Zverev 7-5, 6-3 and combining with Kristina Mladenovic to win the deciding mixed doubles, which is being played in the Fast4 format, 4-2, 4-1. Andrea Petkovic had earlier beaten Mladenovic 6-2, 6-1 in the women's singles.

Date: 2 January 2017, Source: AP and Hopman Cup

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Roger Federer hopes to play '2 to 3 more years'

Roger Federer says he hopes to play for at least another two to three years and that his "mindset is for the long term" in assessing his tennis future.

Federer, who has not played since re-injuring his surgically repaired left knee at Wimbledon in July, will make his tournament return in the January 1-7 Hopman Cup team event at Perth, representing Switzerland with Belinda Bencic.

The 35-year-old Federer said Friday he's not sure of the form he'll produce upon his return, but that retirement isn't part of his thought process.

"Only when I get asked do I think of things like this," said Federer, who has 17 Grand Slam singles titles, the most of any male player.

"I don't see it like this, that this could be my last Australian trip, even though it might very well be," he added. "I'm really positive. I took these six months off so I would be playing for hopefully another two to three years, not just another six months or so. So my mindset is for the long term."

Federer hasn't won a Grand Slam singles title since Wimbledon in 2012 and, with his injury, has slipped to No. 16 in the world rankings.

"Winning titles is a beautiful feeling; rankings at the moments... completely secondary," Federer said Friday. "As long as I'm healthy and injury free I think I can really do some damage."

Federer and Bencic begin play against Britain, represented by Dan Evans and Heather Wilson, on Monday night at Perth Arena.

Defending champions Australia, represented by Nick Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova, begin play Sunday night against Spain.

Americans Jack Sock and Coco Vandeweghe take on Czech Republic's Adam Pavlasek and Lucie Hradecka earlier Sunday in the men's singles, women's singles and mixed doubles format.

Date: 30 December 2016, Source: AP

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Federer to start 2017 season at Hopman Cup in Perth

Roger Federer will kick off his 20th season as a professional at the Hopman Cup next year, returning to the international team tournament in Perth for the first time since 2002 when he teamed up with his now wife Miroslava Vavrinec, better known as Mirka.

The world No.3 will partner 16th-ranked Belinda Bencic in his first appearance in 15 years at an event that serves as a warm-up for the first Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open in Melbourne. Federer, 34, teamed with Martina Hingis to win the Hopman Cup in 2001.

"I do remember it was a good preparation way back when so I thought it would be nice to do it again," the 17-times grand slam champion, said in a video release.

"Plus I was watching the telly this year from Brisbane and watching the great atmosphere that was at the Hopman Cup when Nick Kyrgios was playing and Andy Murray was playing and I though it would be cool to be part of that.

"I like to play in new places, if you know how my mind works, it’s always very exciting so I can’t wait."



Acting Premier Liza Harvey said: "We are thrilled that Roger Federer has chosen to start his 2017 season here in Perth.

"The Hopman Cup has welcomed some of the biggest names in tennis over its 28-year history, and the 2017 line-up is off to a terrific start with one of the greatest players of all time."

The Hopman Cup, which was won this year by Australians Nick Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova, takes place at Perth Arena from January 1 to 7.

Date: 21 July 2016

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