<p>The mixed-gender Hopman Cup team tournament will make a return in 2023 after losing its New Year slot on the&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;calendar, the International&nbsp;Tennis&nbsp;Federation (ITF) said on Tuesday, with the next edition to be played in Nice, France from July 19-23.</p>

<p>The Nice Lawn&nbsp;Tennis&nbsp;Club will host the event up to 2027 as part of a five-year contract between the ITF and Barcelona-based company Tennium, which operate multiple ATP and WTA tournaments. "The Hopman Cup, as a unique mixed-team event, has always enjoyed a special place in the hearts of&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;fans, and I am sure that spectators in Nice will relish the chance to see some of the world's top men and women players on the same court," ITF President David Haggerty said.</p>

<p>As in previous editions, teams will have one male and one female player, with ties featuring a men's singles match, a women's singles and a mixed doubles. The ITF said six nations will compete in the 2023 and 2024 editions, with the competition expanding to eight teams from 2025 onwards. France will take part each year as hosts.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-rugby-coach-eddie-jones-sacked-after-a-string-of-lowly-performances-540606">England rugby coach Eddie Jones sacked after a string of lowly performances</a></strong></p>

<p>In the last edition of the tournament, which began in 1989 and was named after Australian great Harry Hopman, Roger Federer led Switzerland to the title against Germany in 2019. The short-lived ATP Cup men's team competition had taken the Hopman Cup's pre-Australian Open warm-up slot.</p>

<p>A new mixed-sex $15 million tournament - the United Cup - featuring teams from 18 nations playing matches across three Australian cities will kick off the 2023&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;season. The inaugural United Cup will start on Dec. 29 and run through to the final in Sydney on Jan. 8.</p>


The mixed-gender Hopman Cup team tournament will make a return in 2023 after losing its New Year slot on the tennis calendar, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said on Tuesday, with the next edition to be played in Nice, France from July 19-23.

The mixed-gender Hopman Cup team tournament will make a return in 2023 after losing its New Year slot on the tennis calendar, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said on Tuesday, with the next edition to be played in Nice, France from July 19-23. The Nice Lawn Tennis Club will host the event up to 2027 as part of a five-year contract between the ITF and Barcelona-based company Tennium, which operate multiple ATP and WTA tournaments. "The Hopman Cup, as a unique mixed-team event, has always enjoyed a special place in the hearts of tennis fans, and I am sure that spectators in Nice will relish the chance to see some of the world's top men and women players on the same court," ITF President David Haggerty said. As in previous editions, teams will have one male and one female player, with ties featuring a men's singles match, a women's singles and a mixed doubles. The ITF said six nations will compete in the 2023 and 2024 editions, with the competition expanding to eight teams from 2025 onwards. France will take part each year as hosts. Also read: England rugby coach Eddie Jones sacked after a string of lowly performances In the last edition of the tournament, which began in 1989 and was named after Australian great Harry Hopman, Roger Federer led Switzerland to the title against Germany in 2019. The short-lived ATP Cup men's team competition had taken the Hopman Cup's pre-Australian Open warm-up slot. A new mixed-sex $15 million tournament - the United Cup - featuring teams from 18 nations playing matches across three Australian cities will kick off the 2023 tennis season. The inaugural United Cup will start on Dec. 29 and run through to the final in Sydney on Jan. 8.

Mixed-gender Hopman Cup to make a return in July 2023 in France

<p>American Tennis star Serena Williams on Wednesday posted an inspirational New Year message to mums and dads juggling parenthood with work, saying 'anything is possible'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 23-time Grand Slam champion, who had a controversial 2018, began 2019 in Perth at the mixed teams Hopman Cup, with baby Alexis Olympia in tow.</p>

<p>Williams posted a picture where she can be seen holding her daughter on as she stretched her leg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's not about what we can do it's what we MUST do as working moms and working dads". "Anything is possible. I was getting ready for the first match of the year and my dear sweet baby @olympiaohanian was tired and sad and simply needed mama's love," Williams said.</p>

<p>"So if it means warming up and stretching while holding my baby that's what #thismama will do. "My fellow moms and dads working - or stay home it's equally as intense - but you inspire me," she added. "Hearing your stories makes me know I can do this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This year is to you!"</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsDi1mmn6wf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">As I head into next year it’s not about what we can do it’s what we MUST do as working moms and working dads. Anything is possible. I am getting ready for the first match of the year and my dear sweet baby @olympiaohanian was tired and sad and simply needed mama’s love. So if it means warming up and stretching while holding my baby that’s what #thismama will do. My fellow moms and dads working- or stay home it’s equally as intense- but you inspire me. Hearing your stories makes me know I can do this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This year is to you! What are some things you had to do while working? #thismama #thisdaddy</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/serenawilliams/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Serena Williams</a> (@serenawilliams) on <time datetime="2018-12-31T14:39:43+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 31, 2018 at 6:39am PST</time></p>
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<p>The last time Williams played in Australia was January 2017, when she won the Australian Open when eight-weeks pregnant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, the WTA introduced new rules so returning mothers have a special ranking that earns them a seeded position at tournaments, ensuring they do not face a top player in the opening round.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


American Tennis star Serena Williams on Wednesday posted an inspirational New Year message to mums and dads juggling parenthood with work, saying 'anything is possible'.

American Tennis star Serena Williams on Wednesday posted an inspirational New Year message to mums and dads juggling parenthood with work, saying 'anything is possible'. The 23-time Grand Slam champion, who had a controversial 2018, began 2019 in Perth at the mixed teams Hopman Cup, with baby Alexis Olympia in tow. Williams posted a picture where she can be seen holding her daughter on as she stretched her leg. "It's not about what we can do it's what we MUST do as working moms and working dads". "Anything is possible. I was getting ready for the first match of the year and my dear sweet baby @olympiaohanian was tired and sad and simply needed mama's love," Williams said. "So if it means warming up and stretching while holding my baby that's what #thismama will do. "My fellow moms and dads working - or stay home it's equally as intense - but you inspire me," she added. "Hearing your stories makes me know I can do this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This year is to you!" View this post on Instagram As I head into next year it’s not about what we can do it’s what we MUST do as working moms and working dads. Anything is possible. I am getting ready for the first match of the year and my dear sweet baby @olympiaohanian was tired and sad and simply needed mama’s love. So if it means warming up and stretching while holding my baby that’s what #thismama will do. My fellow moms and dads working- or stay home it’s equally as intense- but you inspire me. Hearing your stories makes me know I can do this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This year is to you! What are some things you had to do while working? #thismama #thisdaddy A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Dec 31, 2018 at 6:39am PST × The last time Williams played in Australia was January 2017, when she won the Australian Open when eight-weeks pregnant. Last month, the WTA introduced new rules so returning mothers have a special ranking that earns them a seeded position at tournaments, ensuring they do not face a top player in the opening round.

Serena Williams posts inspirational message for working mums

<p>The Hopman Cup might have saved its best for last as excitement builds for the most anticipated tennis match involving a man and woman since the "Battle of the Sexes" in the 1970s.</p>

<p>Roger&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;and Serena Williams, two of the greatest players in history, will face off across the net for the first time on Tuesday when United States go up against defending champions Switzerland in the mixed doubles of the unique two-player, mixed teams event.</p>

<p>This year's tournament is expected to be Perth's final Hopman Cup and Tuesday's group tie is an early sellout on the back of the prospect of seeing two of the all-time greats, with 43 Grand Slam singles titles between them, on the same court.</p>

<p>"It is very exciting for both of us and I hope a lot of tennis fans tune in and watch it," said&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;after opening his Hopman Cup campaign with an easy singles win on Sunday.</p>

<p>"I admire everything she's done on and off the court, we are both fierce competitors and we always want to win," added the 20-time Grand Slam champion of the once-in-a-lifetime match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is going to be one time, probably never again. She is one of the biggest champions in our sport ever, men and women combined, so it is great to be playing against her."</p>

<p>The original "Battle of the Sexes" saw Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in an exhibition singles match in 1973.</p>

<p>Federer&nbsp;said he had plenty of experience playing against women, going back to his days as a teenage tour hopeful in Switzerland.</p>

<p>Despite their long concurrent careers and having attended a few Wimbledon champion dinners together,&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;said the pair barely knew each other.</p>

<p>"I don't know her that well," he said.</p>

<p>"In the corridors and cafes, walking by each other, sometimes in the past she has asked me how are the kiddies and how is everyone doing, but if I said I know her it would be a bit of an exaggeration."</p>

<p>Williams has said in a television interview that she was looking forward to getting a picture with&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;for her Instagram page.</p>

<p>"It is the age of social media," said&nbsp;Federer, with a grin.</p>


The Hopman Cup might have saved its best for last as excitement builds for the most anticipated tennis match involving a man and woman since the "Battle of the Sexes" in the 1970s.

The Hopman Cup might have saved its best for last as excitement builds for the most anticipated tennis match involving a man and woman since the "Battle of the Sexes" in the 1970s. Roger Federer and Serena Williams, two of the greatest players in history, will face off across the net for the first time on Tuesday when United States go up against defending champions Switzerland in the mixed doubles of the unique two-player, mixed teams event. This year's tournament is expected to be Perth's final Hopman Cup and Tuesday's group tie is an early sellout on the back of the prospect of seeing two of the all-time greats, with 43 Grand Slam singles titles between them, on the same court. "It is very exciting for both of us and I hope a lot of tennis fans tune in and watch it," said Federer after opening his Hopman Cup campaign with an easy singles win on Sunday. "I admire everything she's done on and off the court, we are both fierce competitors and we always want to win," added the 20-time Grand Slam champion of the once-in-a-lifetime match. "It is going to be one time, probably never again. She is one of the biggest champions in our sport ever, men and women combined, so it is great to be playing against her." The original "Battle of the Sexes" saw Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in an exhibition singles match in 1973. Federer said he had plenty of experience playing against women, going back to his days as a teenage tour hopeful in Switzerland. Despite their long concurrent careers and having attended a few Wimbledon champion dinners together, Federer said the pair barely knew each other. "I don't know her that well," he said. "In the corridors and cafes, walking by each other, sometimes in the past she has asked me how are the kiddies and how is everyone doing, but if I said I know her it would be a bit of an exaggeration." Williams has said in a television interview that she was looking forward to getting a picture with Federer for her Instagram page. "It is the age of social media," said Federer, with a grin.

Serena Williams and Roger Federer to play each other for first time

<p>Roger Federer emerged triumphant from a historic first meeting with Serena Williams in the Hopman Cup on Tuesday (January 1), but tennis was the true winner as two of the game's greats treated fans worldwide to an unforgettable evening.</p>

<p>Defending champions Switzerland sealed a 2-1 victory over six-times winners United States that left them bottom of Group B but the result mattered little to over 14,000 fans in Perth and millions around the world who had eagerly awaited the contest.</p>

<p>Federer and Williams, holders of a combined 43 singles Grand Slam crowns, won their singles matches to keep the mixed doubles clash alive and the deciding match lived up to the hype it had generated as both players left the court with big smiles.</p>

<p>The contest had been described by local media as the most anticipated clash involving men and women since 1973's "Battle of the Sexes" where Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in an exhibition match.</p>

<p>While that meeting between 39-times major winner King and former men's world number one Riggs was a grudge match, there was only mutual respect between Federer and Williams, who posed for selfies before indulging autograph hunters.</p>

<p>Serena said the match, which was full of laughter and had an exhibition feel to it, was a "great experience" and one she hoped would not end as quickly as it did.</p>

<p>Playing in front of the highest single session attendance in the tournament's history, the team of Federer and Belinda Bencic beat Williams and Frances Tiafoe 4-2 4-3(3) to clinch the tie to top the group.</p>

<p>Earlier, Federer hardly broke sweat in his singles match against Tiafoe, taking his game up a notch at 4-4 in the first set to win 6-4 6-1.</p>

<p>Williams, who had powered past Greece's Maria Sakkari in straight sets on Monday, then fought back from a set down to seal a 4-6 6-4 6-3 win over Bencic to level the contest at 1-1.</p>

<p>Switzerland have two wins from two games ahead of Thursday's meeting with Greece, while US&nbsp;take on Britain next.</p>


Roger Federer emerged triumphant from a historic first meeting with Serena Williams in the Hopman Cup on Tuesday (January 1), but tennis was the true winner as two of the game's greats treated fans worldwide to an unforgettable evening.

Roger Federer emerged triumphant from a historic first meeting with Serena Williams in the Hopman Cup on Tuesday (January 1), but tennis was the true winner as two of the game's greats treated fans worldwide to an unforgettable evening. Defending champions Switzerland sealed a 2-1 victory over six-times winners United States that left them bottom of Group B but the result mattered little to over 14,000 fans in Perth and millions around the world who had eagerly awaited the contest. Federer and Williams, holders of a combined 43 singles Grand Slam crowns, won their singles matches to keep the mixed doubles clash alive and the deciding match lived up to the hype it had generated as both players left the court with big smiles. The contest had been described by local media as the most anticipated clash involving men and women since 1973's "Battle of the Sexes" where Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in an exhibition match. While that meeting between 39-times major winner King and former men's world number one Riggs was a grudge match, there was only mutual respect between Federer and Williams, who posed for selfies before indulging autograph hunters. Serena said the match, which was full of laughter and had an exhibition feel to it, was a "great experience" and one she hoped would not end as quickly as it did. Playing in front of the highest single session attendance in the tournament's history, the team of Federer and Belinda Bencic beat Williams and Frances Tiafoe 4-2 4-3(3) to clinch the tie to top the group. Earlier, Federer hardly broke sweat in his singles match against Tiafoe, taking his game up a notch at 4-4 in the first set to win 6-4 6-1. Williams, who had powered past Greece's Maria Sakkari in straight sets on Monday, then fought back from a set down to seal a 4-6 6-4 6-3 win over Bencic to level the contest at 1-1. Switzerland have two wins from two games ahead of Thursday's meeting with Greece, while US take on Britain next.

Roger Federer emerges victorious in historic clash with Serena Williams

<p>World number three Roger Federer outplayed Briton Cameron Norrie 6-1, 6-1 to secure a winning start for defending champions Switzerland at the Hopman Cup on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gearing up for his Australian Open title defence, Federer overcame three break points in his opening service game before rediscovering his rhythm to race out to a 5-0 lead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With 18 winners and four aces, Federer wrapped up the opening set in 31 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Norrie, who had defeated Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets on Saturday, struggled to match Federer's crisp stroke-making as the Swiss gave his team a 1-0 lead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Federer's playing partner Belinda Bencic beat Katie Boulter 6-2, 7-6(0) in the women's contest to clinch Switzerland's victory in the round-robin stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 37-year-old Federer has won the last two Australian Open titles after taking part in the mixed-teams tournament in Perth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This was a great start but obviously a long way to go here and in Melbourne," Federer said. "It's nice that I'm feeling as good as I am and played a wonderful match against Cameron."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year's runners-up Germany made a triumphant return when Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber recorded hard-fought victories in their singles matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Coming off a title win at the season-ending ATP Finals in London, Zverev countered his 45 unforced errors with 39 winners and eight aces to beat Spanish veteran David Ferrer 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(0).&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the match, Zverev paid tribute to former world number three Ferrer, who will retire from the sport next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All the credit is (to) David, coming back from a set down and break down," Zverev said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He is the greatest fighter, maybe, that we have ever seen in tennis. What he has done in tennis over the past 15 or 20 years has been absolutely amazing."&nbsp;</p>

<p>World number two Kerber beat Garbine Muguruza 6-2 3-6 6-3 to snap a five-match losing streak against the two-time Grand Slam winner.&nbsp;</p>


World number three Roger Federer outplayed Briton Cameron Norrie 6-1, 6-1 to secure a winning start for defending champions Switzerland at the Hopman Cup on Sunday.

World number three Roger Federer outplayed Briton Cameron Norrie 6-1, 6-1 to secure a winning start for defending champions Switzerland at the Hopman Cup on Sunday. Gearing up for his Australian Open title defence, Federer overcame three break points in his opening service game before rediscovering his rhythm to race out to a 5-0 lead. With 18 winners and four aces, Federer wrapped up the opening set in 31 minutes. Norrie, who had defeated Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets on Saturday, struggled to match Federer's crisp stroke-making as the Swiss gave his team a 1-0 lead. Federer's playing partner Belinda Bencic beat Katie Boulter 6-2, 7-6(0) in the women's contest to clinch Switzerland's victory in the round-robin stage. The 37-year-old Federer has won the last two Australian Open titles after taking part in the mixed-teams tournament in Perth. "This was a great start but obviously a long way to go here and in Melbourne," Federer said. "It's nice that I'm feeling as good as I am and played a wonderful match against Cameron." Last year's runners-up Germany made a triumphant return when Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber recorded hard-fought victories in their singles matches. Coming off a title win at the season-ending ATP Finals in London, Zverev countered his 45 unforced errors with 39 winners and eight aces to beat Spanish veteran David Ferrer 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(0). After the match, Zverev paid tribute to former world number three Ferrer, who will retire from the sport next year. "All the credit is (to) David, coming back from a set down and break down," Zverev said. "He is the greatest fighter, maybe, that we have ever seen in tennis. What he has done in tennis over the past 15 or 20 years has been absolutely amazing." World number two Kerber beat Garbine Muguruza 6-2 3-6 6-3 to snap a five-match losing streak against the two-time Grand Slam winner.

Impressive Roger Federer gives Switzerland winning start at Hopman Cup

<p>Serena Williams overcame a sluggish start to power past Maria Sakkari in straight-sets at the Hopman Cup on Monday in her first competitive match since melting down in the US Open final.</p>

<p>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 United States and Greece ahead of the decisive mixed doubles match.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"It was my first match back.I was making a lot of errors," Williams said.</p>

<p>"It was great to be back out on match day."</p>

<p>The 23-time Grand Slam champion lost an exhibition match against sister Venus in Abu Dhabi last week, but the Hopman Cup is her first competitive event since her controversial defeat to Japan's Naomi Osaka at Flushing Meadows in September.</p>

<p>It was an error-strewn start for Williams, who struggled to land her first serve and was broken in the third game. She could have been in a bigger hole if not for saving break points in her first and third service games.</p>

<p>A vocal Williams tried to pump herself up in a bid to shake off the stupor and raised her arms skyward after holding serve in the fifth game. A confident Sakkari held the edge until losing her nerve attempting to close out the set in the 10th game.</p>

<p>Williams then found her range and dominated the tiebreak to close out the first set in 63 minutes. She broke twice in the second set and closed it out with an ace. Williams is a two-time Hopman Cup winner, having triumphed in 2003 with James Blake and five years later alongside Mardy Fish.</p>

<p>In the earlier men's singles match, No.15 ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas overcame a second set wobble to defeat Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-3. It was a confidence boost for the Greek rising star after his shock straight-sets loss to unheralded British played Cameron Norrie on Saturday.</p>

<p>The fancied Greece is looking to rebound after an upset defeat in its opening Group B match against Britain on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>


Serena Williams overcame a sluggish start to power past Maria Sakkari in straight-sets at the Hopman Cup on Monday in her first competitive match since melting down in the US Open final.

Serena Williams overcame a sluggish start to power past Maria Sakkari in straight-sets at the Hopman Cup on Monday 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 United States 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 on match day." The 23-time Grand Slam champion lost an exhibition match against sister Venus in Abu Dhabi last week, but the Hopman Cup is her first competitive event since her controversial defeat to Japan's Naomi Osaka at Flushing Meadows in September. It was an error-strewn start for Williams, who struggled to land her first serve and was broken in the third game. She could have been in a bigger hole if not for saving break points in her first and third service games. A vocal Williams tried to pump herself up in a bid to shake off the stupor and raised her arms skyward after holding serve in the fifth game. A confident Sakkari held the edge until losing her nerve attempting to close out the set in the 10th game. Williams then found her range and dominated the tiebreak to close out the first set in 63 minutes. She broke twice in the second set and closed it out with an ace. Williams is a two-time Hopman Cup winner, having triumphed in 2003 with James Blake and five years later alongside Mardy Fish. In the earlier men's singles match, No.15 ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas overcame a second set wobble to defeat Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-3. It was a confidence boost for the Greek rising star after his shock straight-sets loss to unheralded British played Cameron Norrie on Saturday. The fancied Greece is looking to rebound after an upset defeat in its opening Group B match against Britain on Saturday.

Serena Williams pulls US level at Hopman Cup

<p>Roger Federer&nbsp;is currently one of the favourites at the grand slam, Australian Open&nbsp;due to his spectacular performance&nbsp;at the Hopman Cup 2017.</p>

<p>Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic of Switzerland hoisted the Hopman Cup after defeating Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber of Germany in the mixed doubles final.</p>

<p>The 36-year-old Swiss Also registered easy win in the first round of Australian Open by defeating Bedene, 6-3 6-4 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne.</p>

<p>But recently Fed Express is trending due to a video which has gone viral on social media.</p>

<p>In one of the league stage matches of Hopman Cup, Federer&nbsp;ignored his partner&nbsp;Belinda Bencic and continued the rally with his opponent&nbsp;Jack Sock of the USA.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Men will be men.... <a href="https://t.co/13dsIh3PVS">pic.twitter.com/13dsIh3PVS</a></p>
&mdash; Rishi Bagree ???????? (@rishibagree) <a href="https://twitter.com/rishibagree/status/952091874872840193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A minute-long clip from recently concluded Hopman Cup shows&nbsp;a game played between the male partners,&nbsp;Federer and&nbsp;Jack Sock from Switzerland and the United States.</p>

<p>Both the players, Federer and&nbsp;Jack Sock&nbsp;did something that made their female partners Bencic and&nbsp;CoCo Vandeweghe&nbsp;respectively, leave the court&nbsp;and sit on the bench.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Federer ignored his partner Belinda Bencic and continued the rally with his opponent Jack Sock of the USA for quite some time

Roger Federer is currently one of the favourites at the grand slam, Australian Open due to his spectacular performance at the Hopman Cup 2017. Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic of Switzerland hoisted the Hopman Cup after defeating Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber of Germany in the mixed doubles final. The 36-year-old Swiss Also registered easy win in the first round of Australian Open by defeating Bedene, 6-3 6-4 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. But recently Fed Express is trending due to a video which has gone viral on social media. In one of the league stage matches of Hopman Cup, Federer ignored his partner Belinda Bencic and continued the rally with his opponent Jack Sock of the USA. Men will be men.... pic.twitter.com/13dsIh3PVS — Rishi Bagree ???????? (@rishibagree) January 13, 2018 × A minute-long clip from recently concluded Hopman Cup shows a game played between the male partners, Federer and Jack Sock from Switzerland and the United States. Both the players, Federer and Jack Sock did something that made their female partners Bencic and CoCo Vandeweghe respectively, leave the court and sit on the bench.

Watch: Federer, Jack Sock upset other two women players during match

<p>Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic of Switzerland hoist the Hopman Cup after defeating Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber of Germany in the mixed doubles final.</p>

<p>Roger Federer paid tribute to the influence of countrywoman and former Hopman Cup team-mate Martina Hingis on his career after guiding Switzerland to their third success in the mixed teams tournament in Perth on Saturday.</p>

<p>&quot;I could look up to her and think, wow, how is she being so mentally strong and so consistent at such a young age,&quot; the Swiss star recalled.</p>

<p>Federer looked primed for his Australian Open title defence when he came from a set down to beat world number four Alexander Zverev in the men&#39;s singles before Angelique Kerber accounted for Belinda Bencic in straight sets to level the tie against Germany.</p>

<p>The Swiss duo then claimed the tournament with a straight-sets win in the deciding mixed doubles.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Take a bow, <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/BelindaBencic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BelindaBencic</a> ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HopmanCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HopmanCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/aN0SoEjqIC">pic.twitter.com/aN0SoEjqIC</a></p>
&mdash; Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) <a href="https://twitter.com/hopmancup/status/949621192452796416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Unbeaten in his three singles matches in the tournament prior to the final, Federer dropped the first set against the 20-year-old Zverev but recovered to win in three sets, 6-7 (4/7), 6-0, 6-2.</p>

<p>Zverev beat Federer at the Hopman Cup last year and came out all guns blazing on Saturday in a high-intensity first set where both players produced moments of brilliance and each holding multiple breakpoints.</p>

<p>Federer&#39;s frustration was obvious as the set slipped away, dropping his racquet after missing an easy volley and then launching a ball towards the roof.</p>

<p>However, he turned the match around by approaching the net more often and using drop shots to catch Zverev napping.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hopman Cup Chaaaaaaampssss! ?????????????????????? ahhhh<a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> <a href="https://t.co/97kQqt2zxE">pic.twitter.com/97kQqt2zxE</a></p>
&mdash; Belinda Bencic (@BelindaBencic) <a href="https://twitter.com/BelindaBencic/status/949645914871808001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The frustration changed sides of the net as the German copped a code violation for an audible obscenity after disputing the chair umpire&#39;s decision to replay one of his serves during the second set.</p>

<p>Zverev&#39;s serve, and resolve, was broken in the third game of the third set and fittingly it was a Federer drop shot which sealed the win.</p>

<p>Kerber, who is ranked 21st after starting last year at number one, then maintained her perfect singles record during the event to beat Bencic 6-4, 6-1 to level the tie.</p>

<p>Bencic, who was ranked seventh in the world before injuries stalled her progress, started brightly but Kerber soon took control and raced through the second set with breaks in the fourth and sixth games.</p>

<p>That set the scene for the mixed doubles, where Bencic produced some stunning returns on the Zverev serve and teamed superbly with Federer to claim the title with an emphatic 4-3 (5/3), 4-2 win under the Fast4 format.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Federer remains unbeaten in his three singles matches in the tournament prior to the final as he prepared for his Australian Open title defence

Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic of Switzerland hoist the Hopman Cup after defeating Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber of Germany in the mixed doubles final. Roger Federer paid tribute to the influence of countrywoman and former Hopman Cup team-mate Martina Hingis on his career after guiding Switzerland to their third success in the mixed teams 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," the Swiss star recalled. Federer looked primed for his Australian Open title defence when he came from a set down to beat world number four 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. Take a bow, @rogerfederer and @BelindaBencic ?? #HopmanCup pic.twitter.com/aN0SoEjqIC — Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) January 6, 2018 × Unbeaten in his three singles matches in the tournament prior to the final, Federer dropped the first set against the 20-year-old Zverev but recovered to win in three sets, 6-7 (4/7), 6-0, 6-2. Zverev beat Federer at the Hopman Cup last year and came out all guns blazing on Saturday in a high-intensity first set where both players produced moments of brilliance and each holding multiple breakpoints. Federer's frustration was obvious as the set slipped away, dropping his racquet after missing an easy volley and then launching a ball towards the roof. However, he turned the match around by approaching the net more often and using drop shots to catch Zverev napping. Hopman Cup Chaaaaaaampssss! ?????????????????????? ahhhh@rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/97kQqt2zxE — Belinda Bencic (@BelindaBencic) January 6, 2018 × The frustration changed sides of the net as the German copped a code violation for an audible obscenity after disputing the chair umpire's decision to replay one of his serves during the second set. Zverev's serve, and resolve, was broken in the third game of the third set and fittingly it was a Federer drop shot which sealed the win. Kerber, who is ranked 21st after starting last year at number one, then maintained her perfect singles record during the event to beat Bencic 6-4, 6-1 to level the tie. Bencic, who was ranked seventh in the world before injuries stalled her progress, started brightly but Kerber soon took control and raced through the second set with breaks in the fourth and sixth games. That set the scene for the mixed doubles, where Bencic produced some stunning returns on the Zverev serve and teamed superbly with Federer to claim the title with an emphatic 4-3 (5/3), 4-2 win under the Fast4 format.

Tennis: Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic claim Hopman Cup

<p>A buoyant Angelique Kerber beat a battling Eugenie Bouchard to lead Germany to a 3-0 win over Canada at the mixed-teams Hopman Cup on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Former world number one Kerber notched her second straight-sets wins in Perth to start the new year, while Bouchard - once ranked fifth but now 83rd - was testy after yet another comprehensive defeat.</p>

<p>Kerber&#39;s win gave the Germans a perfect start to the Group A tie. Young gun Alexander Zverev then ensured they remained unbeaten after two outings with an emphatic win over Vasek Pospisil.</p>

<p>In the dead mixed doubles, the Germans completed a clean sweep with a straight-sets win.</p>

<p>If the Germans beat Australia on Friday they will be guaranteed a berth in Saturday&#39;s final.</p>

<p>As was the case in her 6-1, 6-4 loss to Australian Daria Gavrilova on Monday, Bouchard barely fired a shot against Kerber in the first set but resurrected her game in the second.</p>

<p>Bouchard opened the match by holding to love. She then had Kerber break point down in the next game before the German veteran steadied.</p>

<p>Kerber steamrolled Bouchard from there to close out the set in just 22 minutes.</p>

<p>At 3-3 in the second set, Bouchard held four break points. But Kerber staved them off, held serve and then strolled through the last two games comfortably to win 6-1, 6-3 in 57 minutes.</p>

<p>The contrasting moods of Kerber and Bouchard told the story, with the former rapidly regaining confidence in her own game after a frustrating 2017 in which she slipped from number one in the rankings to 21st.</p>

<p>&quot;I was feeling very good from the first point,&quot; she said. &quot;I was trying to be aggressive and play my game. It is not so easy to play against Eugenie but today it was a good match. It&#39;s (her own game) feeling a little bit better than one week ago.&quot;</p>

<p>But Bouchard could barely contain her frustration, complaining about match scheduling and the off-court activities in Perth after an error-riddled performance.</p>

<p>The 23-year-old said she was trying not to be consumed by the pressure to climb back up the rankings.</p>

<p>Also, World number four Zverev cruised past the 108th-ranked Pospisil in a 6-4, 6-2 win. The German called it his reward for putting in extra practice after his disappointing singles loss to Belgium&#39;s David Goffin on Monday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamGermany?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamGermany</a> bring it home in the mixed doubles 4-3(2) 4-3(2) ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HopmanCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HopmanCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/30BhefLYyS">pic.twitter.com/30BhefLYyS</a></p>
&mdash; Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) <a href="https://twitter.com/hopmancup/status/948434447057092609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The 20-year-old was delighted to have kept his team on track for the final of a tournament which Germany has won twice, most recently through Boris Becker and Anke Huber in 1995.</p>

<p>&quot;We have two wins now in the group, hopefully, we can get one more,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;It is a team competition and we are in a good spot.&quot;</p>

<p><strong>Tennis: Hopman Cup scores (Group A)</strong></p>

<p>Germany bt Canada 3-0</p>

<p>Women&#39;s singles: Angelique Kerber (GER) bt Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) 6-1, 6-3</p>

<p>Men&#39;s singles: Alexander Zverev (GER) bt Vasek Pospisil (CAN) 6-4, 6-2</p>

<p>Mixed doubles: KerberZverev (GER) bt Bouchard/Pospisil (CAN) 4-3 (5/2), 4-3 (5/2)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Bouchard held many break points but Kerber staved them off, held serve and then strolled through the last two games comfortably to win 6-1, 6-3 in 57 minutes

A buoyant Angelique Kerber beat a battling Eugenie Bouchard to lead Germany to a 3-0 win over Canada at the mixed-teams Hopman Cup on Wednesday. Former world number one Kerber notched her second straight-sets wins in Perth to start the new year, while Bouchard - once ranked fifth but now 83rd - was testy after yet another comprehensive defeat. Kerber's win gave the Germans a perfect start to the Group A tie. Young gun Alexander Zverev then ensured they remained unbeaten after two outings with an emphatic win over Vasek Pospisil. In the dead mixed doubles, the Germans completed a clean sweep with a straight-sets win. If the Germans beat Australia on Friday they will be guaranteed a berth in Saturday's final. As was the case in her 6-1, 6-4 loss to Australian Daria Gavrilova on Monday, Bouchard barely fired a shot against Kerber in the first set but resurrected her game in the second. Bouchard opened the match by holding to love. She then had Kerber break point down in the next game before the German veteran steadied. Kerber steamrolled Bouchard from there to close out the set in just 22 minutes. At 3-3 in the second set, Bouchard held four break points. But Kerber staved them off, held serve and then strolled through the last two games comfortably to win 6-1, 6-3 in 57 minutes. The contrasting moods of Kerber and Bouchard told the story, with the former rapidly regaining confidence in her own game after a frustrating 2017 in which she slipped from number one in the rankings to 21st. "I was feeling very good from the first point," she said. "I was trying to be aggressive and play my game. It is not so easy to play against Eugenie but today it was a good match. It's (her own game) feeling a little bit better than one week ago." But Bouchard could barely contain her frustration, complaining about match scheduling and the off-court activities in Perth after an error-riddled performance. The 23-year-old said she was trying not to be consumed by the pressure to climb back up the rankings. Also, World number four Zverev cruised past the 108th-ranked Pospisil in a 6-4, 6-2 win. The German called it his reward for putting in extra practice after his disappointing singles loss to Belgium's David Goffin on Monday. #TeamGermany bring it home in the mixed doubles 4-3(2) 4-3(2) ?? #HopmanCup pic.twitter.com/30BhefLYyS — Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) January 3, 2018 × The 20-year-old was delighted to have kept his team on track for the final of a tournament which Germany has won twice, most recently through Boris Becker and Anke Huber in 1995. "We have two wins now in the group, hopefully, we can get one more," he said. "It is a team competition and we are in a good spot." Tennis: Hopman Cup scores (Group A) Germany bt Canada 3-0 Women's singles: Angelique Kerber (GER) bt Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) 6-1, 6-3 Men's singles: Alexander Zverev (GER) bt Vasek Pospisil (CAN) 6-4, 6-2 Mixed doubles: KerberZverev (GER) bt Bouchard/Pospisil (CAN) 4-3 (5/2), 4-3 (5/2)

Hopman Cup: Angelique Kerber defeats Eugenie Bouchard in straight sets

Roger Federer will kick off his 20th season as a professional at the Hopman Cup next year, returning to the international team tournament in Perth for the first time since he teamed up with his now wife Mirka in 2002.<br />
<br />
The 34-year-old Swiss will be partnered at the Perth Arena from Jan. 1-7 by compatriot Belinda Bencic, who was a year old when Federer turned professional in July, 1998.<br />
<br />
&quot;I do remember it was a good preparation way back when so I thought it would be nice to do it again,&quot; the 17-times grand slam champion, a Hopman Cup winner with Martina Hingis in 2001, said in a video release.<br />
<br />
&quot;I can&#39;t wait to come back because I think it will be the perfect way to start the new season.&quot;<br />
<br />
Federer and the then Miroslava Vavrinec lost two of their three group matches at the 2002 Hopman Cup, which was won by Tommy Robredo and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario for Spain.<br />
<br />
Earlier this year, Nick Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova teamed up to give Australia their first Hopman Cup triumph since 1999.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

Roger Federer returns to the international team tournament in Perth for the first time since he teamed up with his now wife Mirka in 2000

Roger Federer will kick off his 20th season as a professional at the Hopman Cup next year, returning to the international team tournament in Perth for the first time since he teamed up with his now wife Mirka in 2002. The 34-year-old Swiss will be partnered at the Perth Arena from Jan. 1-7 by compatriot Belinda Bencic, who was a year old when Federer turned professional in July, 1998. "I do remember it was a good preparation way back when so I thought it would be nice to do it again," the 17-times grand slam champion, a Hopman Cup winner with Martina Hingis in 2001, said in a video release. "I can't wait to come back because I think it will be the perfect way to start the new season." Federer and the then Miroslava Vavrinec lost two of their three group matches at the 2002 Hopman Cup, which was won by Tommy Robredo and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario for Spain. Earlier this year, Nick Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova teamed up to give Australia their first Hopman Cup triumph since 1999. (Reuters)

Federer to open 20th pro season at Hopman Cup

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