Federer is looking forward to the duel with Williams

a joyful holiday season. While Belinda Bencic on 27. December first the direction of flight Perth took, rushed Roger Federer as already in the first PR to promotional activities for Western Australia, whose Ambassador he had become. In the helicopter, he had to attraction to "The Pinnacles Desert" fly, whose picturesque limestone pillars reminded him of a moon landscape. And he had made twelve months ago, acquaintance with a Quokka-the short-tailed kangaroo, so this time it was a Lobster, he got in the Hand, and then the Shell struck dangerous.

For the third Time in a row, Federer begins a season at the official Mixed tennis tournament of the international Union ITF, for the third Time, with Bencic. In 2017, the Duo missed the Final short, in 2018, it beat all four opponents and won the title. And in two years was Federer three weeks later, as the Australian Open Champion to celebrate.

he Already has achieved in Perth hero status – especially as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are missing. "I hope the tournament will be for me again to Start a great season; the last two years were pretty crazy," said Federer, behind a mirrored sunglasses hiding.

The mystery of the return, on the Sand, The eight-day tournament with eight teams of two stops at

started yesterday – Federer has beaten today Britain's Cameron Norrie 6:1 6:1. On new year's eve, the Switzerland game is free, before on new year's day at the impact game on the USA and on 3. January in Greece shall, in each case at the same time. Federer plays in the series against Cameron Norrie (ATP 91), Frances Tiafoe (33) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (15). Bencic is fighting in the single and, later, with Federer in the doubles against Katie Boulter (WTA 97), Serena Williams (16) Maria Sakkari (41). The group winners will meet the number 1 of Poule A, in Germany, with Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber are favored.

compared To the Swiss TV, Federer said in Perth that he was pleased specially to the double match against Serena Williams, against which he had never competed. "The people here are looking forward extremely. This Match is between me and her there will be no more." The Hopman Cup is just a preparation tournament without ATP points and a loose opener, but is still very important to start the season with good feelings.

The focus in the training phase is located as usual on his Fitness, stamina, and leg work. "After such a Phase one feels fit and ready." Contrary to his announcement to decide early in the day for or against inserts on clay, Federer's season plan is unclear. He and his Team have to again think through, he said. At some point, he will then consider whether there is for him also a year in 2020 on the Tour.

New heat rules for Australian Open

At the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, applied new rules in dealing with the heat. A five-stage heat strain scale ("heat stress scale") is used as a benchmark for additional breaks or Game interruptions. 2018, temperatures at Melbourne Park on about 40 degrees. Recently, had already been the introduction of a tie-break in the final set decided. (Tages-Anzeiger.ch/Newsnet)

Created: 29.12.2018, 21:50 PM