Roger Federer Completes Undefeated Week, He And Belinda Bencic Win Hopman Cup For Switzerland

Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic of Switzerland celebrate their finals win with the Hopman Cup after winning on the final day of the Hopman Cup final between Switzerland and Germany at the Perth Arena in Perth, Australia, 06 January 2018. EPA-EFE/TONY MCDONOUGH

 

 

By Ricky Dimon

 

Switzerland won the Hopman Cup for the third time when it beat Germany two matches to one on Saturday evening. Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic led Team Switzerland to the title, with Federer winning his singles match before he and Bencic got the best of Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber in the deciding mixed doubles match.

 

The world No. 2 got the final started by overcoming Zverev 6-7(4), 6-0, 6-2. Bencic fell to Kerber 6-4, 6-1, but the Swiss duo prevailed in the abbreviated doubles format (Fast 4 style) via a 4-3(3) 4-2 decision.

 

“After all these years I can’t believe I’m here again,” commented Federer, who teamed with Martina Hingis to lead Switzerland to the Hopman Cup trophy back in 2001. “It’s absolutely amazing. I’ve lost count of the years. I’m thrilled to win the Hopman Cup again with Belinda. It’s been a pleasure to partner you this week. Well done.”

 

“I want to congratulate Team Germany for making the final,” Bencic commented. “You played a great tournament and Angie was just too strong for me today. I’m so glad we made it in the mixed this time…. Thanks to Roger for playing with me. It really is a dream come true. I couldn’t wish for a better partner. I’ll never forget this week; it’s been unbelievable.”

 

“Firstly, Sascha, thank you for playing with me,” Kerber added. “We had a great week on and off the court. It’s not the result we wished, but congrats to Belinda and Roger. You are a great team and really deserve to win the title.”

 

“Once again, Switzerland takes it all,” Zverev laughed. “We’ve seen this so many times. Roger relax a little bit; we want to win something, as well. It makes us young guys look bad.”

 

Federer made just about everyone look bad at the Hopman Cup, as he went 4-0 in singles and 4-0 in mixed doubles for a combined 8-0 record in Perth. In addition to his win over Zverev, the 19-time Grand Slam champion defeated Yuichi Sugita of Japan (6-4, 6-3), Russia’s Karen Khachanov (6-3, 7-6(8)), and American Jack Sock (7-6(5), 7-5).

 

David Goffin was the only other man who went undefeated in singles. In fact, the Belgian did not drop a single set or even play one tiebreaker while beating Zverev, Thanasi Kokkinakis, and Vasek Pospisil. Belgium, however, lost to Germany 2-1 and therefore did not reach the final against Switzerland.

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand. You can follow him on twitter at @Dimonator.

 

Editors Note: Leave it to the Western AUSTRALIAN tourney director to make his usual match or draw changes….

This year he threw in Pat Cash to cover for AMERICAN Jack Sock…

We think Our favorite year was the “stacked deck” year when AUSTRALIA had two teams.

Sure glad Roger and the Federer family enjoy the start to the season in Perth.

Seeing the level Roger is starting the year at is really amazing. The quality is solid.

It’s also great to see RF enjoying himself.

It’s also nice to see such skill levels.

The man really makes it look easy…