Serena Williams to face Roger Federer in mixed doubles
The draw for the 2019 Hopman Cup sees USA and Switzerland battle it out against each other in the mixed doubles. The buzz has already been created as women's singles star Serena Williams will be up against Swiss ace Roger Federer. This will be 2019's opening event. Federer will be looking to defend the title after winning it this year. Here's more.
Group A consists of 4 teams- France, Spain, Germany and Australia. Group B consists of 4 teams- Great Britain, Greece, Switzerland and USA. Federer will be playing alongside Belinda Bencic. For USA, 23-time Slam champion Serena will partner Frances Tiafoe. The Hopman Cup will be held from December 29 until January 5. The Australian Open will start a few days later.
In the mixed team event, nations will be facing each other in sessions with men's and women's singles matches on offer, along with mixed doubles. Each team will be playing the other three in the group, with the toppers from both groups locking horns in the finale. USA will be up against Switzerland in Group B encounter on New Year's day.
The Hopman Cup was introduced in 1989. It is held in Perth, Australia every year. It is named in the honor of former Australian tennis player and coach Harry Hopman. He had led Australia to 15 Davis Cup titles between 1938 and 1969. USA have won the most number of Hopman Cup titles (6). Federer helped Switzerland win their third title this year.
USA have also been the runners-up six times. USA had won the title last in 2011. However, they reached the final in 2017. John Isner and Bethanie Mattek-Sands had led them to victory. Serena has won the event twice earlier.
