Roger Federer geared up for his Australian Open title defence in convincing fashion, guiding Switzerland to a 2-1 triumph over Germany on Saturday for their fourth Hopman Cup crown. Federer and Belinda Bencic beat Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber 4-0 1-4 4-3(4) in the deciding mixed doubles rubber. The world number three earlier stamped his authority as a firm favourite for the season’s first major, firing 24 winners and nine aces. READ ALSO: I’m happy with Real Madrid’s progress, says SolariIt was a flawless 6-4 6-2 win over ATP Finals champion Zverev. It was Federer’s third title success in the Hopman Cup following victory in 2001 alongside then world number one Martina Hingis and last year’s success with Bencic.

Source: Punch January 05, 2019 16:41 UTC