Germany makes final

Angelique Kerber and Alexandar Zverev sent Germany into the Hopman Cup final with straight-sets victories over Ash Barty and Matt Ebden of Australia on Friday.

Kerber defeated Barty 6-4, 6-4 to give Germany the lead and Zverev followed with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Ebden to set up a rematch of last year’s final against Switzerland.

The Australian pair later combined for a consolation 4-0, 4-3 (1) win in the mixed doubles against Kerber and Zverev.

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

Defending champions Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic clinched the title a year ago with a mixed-doubles win over Kerber and Zverev.

“We lost a very close match last year, and we definitely wanted to get there and compete for the title again,” Zverev said.

“And that’s why me and Angie decided after last year’s final that we are definitely going to come back here to Perth.”

Earlier, David Ferrer led Spain to 2-1 consolation victory over France in what was the 36-year-old’s last pro tennis event in Australia.

Ferrer, who will be retiring at Madrid in May, defeated Lucas Pouille 6-4, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (2) in Spain’s final round-robin tie.

“It’s going to be the last matches in my career and I try to enjoy every point that I play,” Ferrer said. “For me it’s a pleasure to play here in this center court at Hopman Cup. I never played but I am happy to have the chance to play one time here.”

Ferrer made an impressive debut in the Hopman Cup where he recorded an upset victory over Australian Matt Ebden and also pushed Alexander Zverev to three sets.

Former world No. 1 Garbine Muguruza earlier defeated Alize Cornet 6-1, 6-3 after putting aside a left thigh injury. /