Williams and Federer set to clash on court for first time
Serena Williams was victorious in her singles contest at the Hopman Cup yesterday, but the former world No 1 could not stop the United States from losing 2-1 to Greece in their opening round-robin match.
Williams was beaten 4-6, 6-3, 10-8 in a one-off match against older sister Venus at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Zayed Sports City last Thursday – her first outing since losing the US Open final to Naomi Osaka in September.
But the 37-year-old powered past Maria Sakkari – a player 14 years younger – to win 7-6, 6-2 to level the Group B contest in Perth at 1-1, after Stefanos Tsitsipas had beaten Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 6-7, 6-3.
Williams, who had both ankles strapped and required medical attention in her singles match, then combined with Tiafoe but was beaten by Sakkari and Tsitsipas who won the mixed doubles rubber 4-1, 1-4, 4-2 to seal the tie.
“It’s great to be back out in match day, and it’s great to be back out here,” said Williams, who will be chasing a record-equalling 24th grandslam title at the Australian Open next month.
Williams made a several unforced errors early on but overpowered her opponent with 13 aces and 29 winners, en route to a comfortable win.
Defeat left six-time winners US at the bottom of the group ahead of today’s meeting with holders Switzerland, who thumped Britain yesterday.
Roger Federer and Williams, holders of a combined 43 singles grand slam titles, will face each other for the first time today when they feature in the mixed doubles alongside partners Belinda Bencic and Tiafoe.
Local media have described the clash as the most anticipated match involving men and women since 1973’s “Battle of the Sexes” which saw 39-time major winner Billie Jean King beat former men’s world No 1 Bobby Riggs in an exhibition match. Williams said it was “like a dream come true ... I have been looking forward to it.”
“It’s exciting for both of us and I hope a lot of tennis fans tune in and watch it,” Federer said. “I admire everything she’s done on and off the court, we’re both fierce competitors and we always want to win.
“It is going to be one time, probably never again. She is one of the biggest champions in our sport ever – men and women combined – so it is great to be playing against her.”