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21 July 2016 | Tennis West

Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion and one of the world’s greatest tennis players, Roger Federer, is coming to Perth for the Hopman Cup.

The world No.3 returns to Western Australia for the first time in 15 years.

Federer will partner world No.16 Belinda Bencic to represent Switzerland at the ITF’s official mixed team competition at Perth Arena from 1 to 7 January 2017.

The right-hander has fond memories of the event. He teamed with Martina Hingis in 2001 at the age of 19 to win the Hopman Cup, one of his first professional titles, and also played the event in 2002 with his then girlfriend Miroslava Vavrinec, now better known as Mirka Federer.

“I think it will be a perfect tournament for me to start the season,” said Federer, winner of 88 career singles titles, one Olympic gold medal and a Davis Cup crown so far in his glittering career.

He’s looking forward to visiting Perth after a 15-year absence, and to playing in the new Perth Arena. “I like to play in new places… It’s always really exciting, so I can’t wait.

“I thought on TV it looked great, the atmosphere seemed really nice, the stadium looked fantastic so I’m looking forward to playing in that environment.”

Bencic will team up with Federer for the first time in her career.

“I’m very much looking forward to playing with Roger in the mixed doubles and representing my country at the Hopman Cup,” Bencic said.

“I’ve not been to Perth before but I’ve heard great things and can’t wait to check out the city.”

The rising star reached a career high ranking of seven in February and made the US Open quarterfinals at the age of 17 in 2014.

Hopman Cup Tournament Director Paul Kilderry is delighted to welcome Federer and Bencic to Perth and knows tennis fans will be thrilled to watch Team Switzerland compete.

“We’re extremely excited that Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic have decided to start the new year in Perth,” Kilderry said.

“The atmosphere at the 2016 event was electric and no doubt the excitement and buzz will be even more so when Switzerland takes to the court next year.

“The opportunity to see Federer, one of the greatest players of all time, will be like no other and I look forward to seeing all his fans in Western Australia visit Perth Arena for a terrific week.”

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