Federer remains unbeaten at Hopman Cup
6 Jan 2018 10:06 PM IST
Perth: Roger Federer's perfect start to the new year continued when he dismantled the game of world number four Alexander Zverev in the final of the mixed teams Hopman Cup on Saturday.
Unbeaten in his three singles matches in the tournament prior to the final as he prepared for his Australian Open title defence, the 19-time Grand Slam champion dropped the first set against Zverev, but recovered to win in three sets, 6-7 (4/7), 6-0, 6-2.
Unbeaten in his three singles matches in the tournament prior to the final as he prepared for his Australian Open title defence, the 19-time Grand Slam champion dropped the first set against Zverev, but recovered to win in three sets, 6-7 (4/7), 6-0, 6-2.
It gave Switzerland a 1-0 lead in the final, with Federer aiming to add to the title he won in Perth with Martina Hingis in 2001.
Zverev came out all guns blazing in a high-intensity first set where both players produced moments of brilliance, with both holding multiple break points.
However, the young German managed to prevail in the tie- breaker as he aimed to repeat his singles win over Federer at the Hopman Cup last year, when all three sets were decided by tie-breakers.
Federer's frustration was obvious, dropping his racquet after missing an easy volley and then launching a ball towards the roof.
It soon passed as he started to blunt the German's power and his superior court craft turned the momentum.
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