Federer fine, Nadal doubts

FRESH off his incredible 2017 renaissance, Roger Federer headlines the Hopman Cup in Perth when the first of five Australian Open lead-up events gets under way on Saturday.

From Perth, via Brisbane, Sydney and Hobart, all roads lead to Melbourne Park for the year’s first grand slam event starting on January 15.

But while 36-year-old Federer should arrive refreshed and ready for his Australian Open title defence, world No.1 Rafael Nadal continues to battle a worrying knee injury.