Federer in fine fettle as Switzerland win Hopman Cup

Roger Federer and his mixed doubles partner Belinda Bencic of Switzerland with the Hopman Cup after defeating runners-up Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber of Germany in the final on day eight of the Hopman Cup tennis tournament in Perth on 5 January - AFP

(Reuters): Roger Federer geared up for his Australian Open title defence in convincing fashion, guiding Switzerland to a 2-1 triumph over Germany on Saturday for their fourth Hopman Cup crown.

Federer and Belinda Bencic beat Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber 4-0 1-4 4-3(4) in the mixed doubles decider to win the trophy at the Perth Arena in a repeat of the 2018 final.

The world number three had earlier shown why he is a firm favourite for the season’s first major, firing 24 winners and nine aces in a flawless 6-4 6-2 victory over ATP Finals champion Zverev.

Kerber too maintained her 100 percent singles record with a 6-4 7-6(6) victory over Bencic to level the tie at 1-1, but the Germans failed to make the most of their opportunities as they went down in the tight mixed doubles rubber.

“I’m happy I’m feeling this good and playing as well as I am,” said Federer, who has won the last two Australian Open titles after taking part in the mixed-team event.

Federer has beaten Frances Tiafoe, StefanosTsitsipas, Cameron Norrie and Zverev in straight sets and will be full of confidence heading into Melbourne Park later this month.

“It’s good to finish on a singles performance like this. I’m a bit surprised the matches have gone as well as they have,” the 37-year-old added.

It was Federer’s third title success in the Hopman Cup, more than any other player, following victory in 2001 alongside then world number one Martina Hingis and last year’s win with Bencic.

Federer and Bencic are also the first pair in the event’s 31-year history to retain their title.

“I’m very happy about these records, but I didn’t come here for that,” 20-times major champion Federer said.

“What a thrill it was – not just the match point but also the whole match and the whole week. It’s great fun.

“I’m happy, 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 JakobHlasek in 1992.