Germany to face Switzerland in Hopman Cup title showdown

PERTH: Angelique Kerber and Alexander Zverev cruised through their singles matches as Germany defeated Australia 2-1 to set up a Hopman Cup title clash with holders Switzerland.

Kerber and Zverev will take on Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic in a repeat of last year’s final.

They will attempt to avenge their 2-1 defeat by the Swiss in 2018 and secure a first trophy in the mixed team competition for Germany since 1995.

Wimbledon champion Kerber saved four break points in the second set to beat an error-prone Ashleigh Barty 6-4, 6-4 to set the ball rolling for Germany on Friday, before Zverev swatted aside Matthew Ebden 6-4, 6-3 to seal the win.

Germany finished top of Group A after winning all three of their matches, while the Swiss topped Group B with two victories from their three encounters.

“It’s nice to be back in a final. It’s nice to play Switzerland as well,” ATP Finals champion Zverev said.

“We lost a very close match last year, and we definitely wanted to get there and compete for the title again. And that’s why me and Angie decided after last year’s final that we’re definitely going to come back here to Perth.”

Australia claimed the dead mixed doubles rubber 4-0, 4-3(1) to sign off with a consolation win.

Earlier, Spain defeated France 2-1 in their final round-robin encounter as former world number one Garbine Muguruza beat Alize Cornet 6-1, 6-3 before veteran David Ferrer battled past Lucas Pouille 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-2).