Tuesday, January 02, 2018

Roger Federer edges closer to Hopman Cup final in Perth





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Roger Federer edged closer to a second Hopman Cup title when Switzerland beat Russia in the Hopman Cup tie at Perth Arena on Tuesday night.

Federer opened up with a hard-fought 6-3 7-6(8) win against Karen Khachanov, while partner Belinda Bencic outlasted Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1 3-6 6-3 to seal the tie victory.

The Swiss maestro started tentatively and was broken in the first game of the match by the Russian world No.45 in front of a record crowd of 13,943.

But Federer regained his composure quickly, immediately breaking back to level at 1-1.

The 36-year-old was down a break point in his next service game, but regrouped to take a commanding 4-1 lead.

The world No.2 closed out the first set in 29 minutes, before fighting off a brave challenge from Khachanov to take the match in 77 minutes.

The Swiss maestro praised Khachanov, describing him as a tough opponent in a clash that “had a bit of everything”.

“I thought the intensity was great and the level high too,” Federer said.

“It was a bit of a serving exhibition for 45 minutes or so and then at the end the tiebreaker was close.

“It was a good match overall and I was very happy with my performance.”

Federer claimed his first Hopman Cup title in 2001, teaming with fellow teenager Martina Hingis to beat Americans Jan-Michael Gambill and Monica Seles 2-1 in the final.

The win proved the start of a stellar career, with Federer claiming his first ATP later that year in Milan.

The 36-year-old has gone on to claim 19 Grand Slam titles, and won the Australian Open and a record eighth Wimbledon title last year after launching his campaign in Perth.

Federer’s hopes of a title defence at Melbourne Park later this month have been boosted with leading rivals Andy Murray (hip), Rafael Nadal (knee), Novak Djokovic (elbow), Kei Nishikori (wrist), Jack Sock (hip), Milos Raonic (wrist) and Stan Wawrinka (knee) all battling injury.

Federer expected world No.8 Sock to recover in time to take his place when Switzerland and USA clash on Thursday night.

Each have won two ties at Hopman Cup 30, with the winner set to advance to Saturday’s final.

“I think with a days rest he should be ok again tomorrow, at least I hope so,” Federer said.

“That’s the echoes I am hearing through the corridor.”

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