Roger Federer wins Hopman Cup as Belinda Bencic hails ‘dream partner’
ROGER FEDERER picked up his first trophy of 2018 as Switzerland won their third Hopman Cup title as the veteran and Belinda Bencic beat Germany's Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber 4-3(3) 4-2 in the deciding mixed doubles.
It is Roger Federer's second Hopman Cup triumph after victory in 2001 alongside then world number one Martina Hingis.
"She (Hingis) had a great career and to have that in a small country like Switzerland is very rare," Federer said after Switzerland's latest triumph.
"It made me also believe with hard work and dedication you get really far because I didn't believe that much at that point when I was younger, I thought it was more all talent.
“I am so thrilled, so happy - Belinda you played amazing.
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"It's amazing. My week with Martina Hingis at the time is a little like what it must be like for Belinda.
“I didn't know then what my career was going to be like."
Federer went a set down to Zverev in the opener but battled back to win 6-7 (4-7) 6-0 6-2 and give Switzerland a 1-0 lead.
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Kerber then beat Bencic 6-4 6-1 to level the tie before the Swiss term emerged victorious in the doubles.
Bencic added: "This is a dream come true for me and I couldn't wish for a better partner. I'll never forget this week, it's absolutely incredible.
"I so enjoyed being back. It's a great preparation for the Australian Open."
Both players will be hoping to take their winning form into the Australian Open when the tournament starts on January 15.
