Hopman Cup: Serena Williams is looking forward to the pair run with the rookie

Defending champion Switzerland will face the USA at the start of the possibly last Hopman Cup. A newcomer is competing for them alongside Serena Williams.

Serena Williams is way ahead of Frances Tiafoe – not only in terms of Grand Slam success. Serena has been at almost every tennis venue in the world, and Tiafoe is exploring new spheres. So are the circumstances in Perth at the Hopman Cup.

While his legendary partner is making her debut for the USA for the fifth time, 20-year-old Tiafoe is celebrating his premiere at the upcoming and probably last edition of the mixed competition. And what a one: On New Year’s Eve, Frances Tiafoe will face Roger Federer, Serena Belinda Bencic and the defending champions. Almost a year ago, the two Swiss had won the title in Perth.

Tiafoe has come through the tennis year 2018 very well, a season for the first time under the top 50 of the ATP world rankings closed. He ranks 39th, qualified for the #NextGen final in Milan. The balance against Roger Federer, however, is not good: The two met three times, and the maestro was just as often in front. After all: At the US Open 2017, Federer had to go over five sets, almost losing to Tiafoe in round one.

“I’ve heard that it should be extremely nice,” Tiafoe explained with a view to his first appearance in Perth. “All the top players are at the starting line. It’s very relaxed, but serious at the same time. Everyone feels at home at the beginning of the year. But I’m nervous about playing there with Serena, who’s a complete legend.”

The person addressed is first and foremost curious. “I haven’t played mixed doubles with Frances yet,” said Serena Williams. “But I have watched him from afar this year. He has a bright future ahead of him.” What her own looks like may already be known in Australia. Against Belinda Bencic Williams has played three matches, the latest to win at the Australian Open 2017. This is also where the 23rd and to date last major success of the US-American came from. A year later Serena was not fit enough to compete in Melbourne after the birth of her daughter Olympia.