Hopman Cup: Roger Federer beats Alexander Zverev
Strong performance by Roger Federer: The 20-time major winner gave Switzerland a 1-0 lead in the final of the Hopman Cup with a two-set win against Alexander Zverev.
by tennisnet
last edit: Jan 05, 2019, 10:19 am
Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev needed less than ten minutes for the first five games to kick off the final at the Hopman Cup 2019. The servers dominated, the shot clock could have been safely switched off. Towards the end of the first set, however, Federer was able to position himself better as a setback: the Swiss player developed a breakball in the eighth game, and Zverev was able to fend off.
A few moments later, however, the time had actually come: The German number one showed little weaknesses as a server, Federer knew how to use them, and won the first round after a little more than half an hour with 6: 4.
Federer with an early break
In the second set, the Swiss had to fight hard in his first service game, but still went 1-0. And went straight ahead. With the break to 2-0, Federer set the course for victory. Zverev made it to the debut in the seventh game, but could no longer bring the server Federer into trouble. On the contrary: Federer came to the first match point in the eighth game after a double mistake by Zverevs. The Hamburg native fought back. Two points later it was official after a forehand volley Federers. Final score: 6: 4, 6: 2 after a playing time of 70 minutes.
Now, as in 2018, it is up to Angelique Kerber to get the compensation for the German team. The Wimbledon winner plays against Belinda Bencic. Kerber masterfully solved the task a year ago, but lost the decisive double with Alexander Zverev.