Watch: Federer Talks Comeback

News

Scores

Rankings

Lucky Letcord Podcast

Shop

Pro Gear

Pickleball

Gear Sale

Popular This Week

Casper Ruud and Maria Galligana Are Engaged

Love Match: Madison Keys Marries Bjorn Fratangelo

WTA Awards Nominees for 2024

ITF President Haggerty: Davis Cup Won't Return to Be...

ATP Award Nominees Announced for 2024

Sinner's Extraordinary 2024, By the Numbers

Bob Bryan on U.S. Davis Cup Doubles Decision

Roger Federer is not only the Grand Slam king, he's an avid tennis fan.

Federer was watching on TV when Nick Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova led Australia to the Hopman Cup championship in January.

Watch: Federer and Nadal Reunite

The crowd enthusiasm in Perth combined with Federer's own memories of winning the Hopman Cup prompted his decision to launch his return to tennis at the 2017 Hopman Cup, the international mixed team event that begins on January 1st.

"Well I do remember that it was a good preparation way back when so I thought it would be nice to do it again," Federer says in the video above. "Plus, I was watching the great atmosphere that was happening at the Hopman Cup when Nick was playing and when Murray was playing.

"I just thought that would be cool to be a part of it. Very happy it's happening right now and can't wait to get back. I think it's gonna be the perfect tournament to start the season."

This time around, Federer will partner compatriot Belinda Bencic, protege of his original partner, Martina Hingis.

"When I was little Martina Hingis and Roger Federer won it, so it was a big deal in Switzerland," Bencic recalls.

In 2001, Hingis was the star attraction and Federer a rising young talent when they joined forces to lead Switzerland to the Hopman Cup championship with a win over Monica Seles and Jan-Michael Gambill in the final.

In an interview with the Times of India, Hingis revealed she often reminds Federer that she taught him to win during their run to the 2001 Hopman Cup title.

"You could always see the talent. I tell him I was the one who taught him how to win titles," a giggling Hingis told the Times of India. "Before that he played a few finals but didn't win anything. Hopman Cup was his first big title and he has won a few after that, isn't it?"

Photo credit: Christopher Levy

Posted: