Federer the Hopman Cup highlight

The Hopman Cup continued in Perth, Australia, but I must say its credibility has diminished.  I know it is not an official tournament, but it is ITF sanctioned, and surely its scoring system should be consistent throughout.

The first two matches in each contest are the women’s and men’s singles, each decided over best of three conventional sets - first to six games with a two game advantage, a tie break if 6-6.

If the nations are tied 1-1, the mixed doubles decides the winner, and for some insane reason, the organisers have introduced the Fast4 format to these matches, changing the scoring to a best of three shortened sets - first to four games with a tie break at 3-3.

After fighting to an equal position via proper means, a Mickey Mouse arrangement now picks the victorious country - in my opinion, this Fast4 infiltration spells danger for the professional tours, as those in power continue to meddle with tradition, the basic scoring system next in line for destruction.

Despite my reservations re the scoring structure, this edition of the Hopman Cup has attracted a top class list of players and entertains the fans each day and night.  To have Roger Federer and Serena Williams, the two players of our generation, both gracing the RAC Arena, is a coup for Perth. Multiple Grand Slam tournament winners Angie Kerber and Garbine Muguruza add to the drawing power of the tournament.

Germany d Spain 3-0

Angie Kerber (GER) d Garbine Muguruza (ESP) 6-2 3-6 6-3

Sascha Zverev (GER) d David Ferrer (ESP) 6-4 4-6 7-6(0)

Angie Kerber / Sascha Zverev (GER) d 

Garbine Muguruza / David Ferrer (ESP) 4-2 4-3(3)

Switzerland d Great Britain 3-0

Belinda Bencic (SUI) d Katie Boulter (GBR) 6-2 7-6(0)

Roger Federer (SUI) d Cameron Norrie (GBR) 6-1 6-1

Belinda Bencic / Roger Federer (SUI) d 

Katie Boulter / Cameron Norrie (GBR) 4-3(4) 4-1

Greece d USA 2-1

Serena Williams (USA) d Maria Sakkari (GRE) 7-6(3) 6-2

Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) d Frances Tiafoe (USA) 6-3 6-7(3) 6-3

Maria Sakkari / Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) d 

Serena Williams / Frances Tiafoe (USA) 1-4 4-1 4-2