Tickets sold out for Fed v Serena
Roger Federer’s wish is about to be granted — he’s getting the chance to return Serena Williams’ powerful serve.
The famously unflappable Swiss acknowledges being excited about the prospect of taking on his fellow tennis great tomorrow in a Hopman Cup mixed doubles match between Switzerland and the United States.
“I admire everything she has done both on and off the court,” Federer said. “I have always thought how is it to return that serve and go headto-head with her.”
Federer made an impressive start in preparation for his Australian Open title defence with a seemingly effortless 6-1, 6-1 victory over Cameron Norrie in Perth on Sunday. Playing partner Belinda Bencic also won to seal defending champion Switzerland’s victory over Britain in Group B.
Federer and Bencic will next take on Williams and Frances Tiafoe to kick-start the New Year with arguably the most anticipated match in the tournament’s three-decade history.
Tickets were sold out soon after being released for the showpiece encounter, which pits Federer and Williams on court for the first time. The 37-year-olds have won 43 grand slam singles titles between them.
“It’s very exciting for us. I hope
tennis fans tune in and watch it because it’s going to be one time and probably never again in this type of competition,” Federer said.
● Williams overcame a sluggish start to power past Maria Sakkari in straight sets at the Hopman Cup yesterday in her first competitive match since melting down in the US Open final.
The 37-year-old was rusty and down an early break but did enough to record a comfortable 7-6 (3), 6-2 victory in one hour and 44 minutes in the women’s singles match. The result levelled the tie between the US and Greece ahead of the decisive mixed doubles match.
Even though both her ankles were strapped and required medical attention during the change of sets, Williams moved freely and looked sharper as the match wore on.
“It was my first match back. I was making a lot of errors,” Williams said. “It was great to be back out.”