Federer hails Hingis influence

Roger Federer paid tribute to the influence of countrywoman and former Hopman Cup teammate Martina Hingis on his career after guiding Switzerland to its third success in the mixed-team tournament in Perth on Saturday.

“I could look up to her and think ‘Wow, how is she being so mentally strong and so consistent at such a young age?’,” Federer said of Hingis, who retired from the game for a third time in October. “Definitely she helped me to become the player I am today.”

Federer looked primed for his Australian Open title defense when he came from a set down to beat world No 4 Alexander Zverev in the men’s singles before Angelique Kerber accounted for Belinda Bencic in straight sets to level the tie against Germany.

The Swiss duo then claimed the tournament with a straight-sets win in the deciding mixed doubles.