Federer Defeats Serena in Historic Hopman Cup Match
It was a mixed-doubles contest, Roger and Belinda Bencic versus Williams and Frances Tiafoe.
A mixed-doubles match for the history books, Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic defeated Serena Williams and Frances Tiafoe 4-2 4-3 (3), breaking their nations’ tie at the annual Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia earlier today. ”It was great fun. I really enjoyed playing against Serena. What an honor,” said Federer. “I was nervous returning because people talk about her serve so much. I know why they say it now, she has a wonderful serve.”
The most anticipated contest involving a male and female player since 1973’s Battle of the Sexes, where Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in straight sets, Roger and Serena stepped on the court with a combined 43 Grand Slam singles titles. ”It was so fun to do this at the pinnacle of our careers,” said Williams. “The guy is great. He’s the greatest of all time. There’s a reason why he is so great. He has a killer serve. I’ve watched him all the time but I never realized how good it was. Maybe I could get some tips from him later on.”
Prior to their doubles match, Federer beat Tiafoe and Williams defeated Bencic, but with the doubles win, team Switzerland will move on to play Greece in their final round-robin match on Thursday. If Feds and Benic win, they’ll be playing in Saturday’s final.
