The two greatest players of all time in a new ‘battle of the sexes’ clash
SERENA WILLIAMS and Roger Federer will start 2019 with a new version of “Battle of the Sexes” in Australia today.
The two tennis superstars, who share 43 Grand Slam titles, will clash for the first time in a competitive match in the mixed doubles at the Hopman Cup in Perth.
Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in a famous exhibition match in 1973. But this time the rivalry is more friendly with Williams promising she will get a selfie with the Swiss star.
“This is so cool,” said the American. “I’ve been training in the offseason to be ready for Roger. I’m not sure how
I’m going to do but we’ll see!” Both players are 37 with Williams on 23 Grand Slam titles – she can equal Margaret Court’s record at the Australian Open – and Federer on 20.
“It’s very exciting for both of us,” said the Swiss. “I hope a lot of fans will tune in to watch because it’s going to be a one-time thing. I admire everything she’s done on and off the court. We can relate to one another now even more so for being parents.”
Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic and American Frances Tiafoe will play the legends in singles before the mixed doubles showdown. Williams won her first match since her meltdown in the US Open final by beating Maria Sakkari 7-6 6-2 in the singles but Greece claimed the Group B win.