Federer and Williams mark historic match with a selfie after mixed doubles clash
Related Story: A tennis clash of the titans in Perth as Federer and Williams face off for the first time
Roger Federer has come away with the bragging rights over fellow tennis great Serena Williams after the pair faced each other on court for the first time.
Key points:
- The pair have won 43 grand slam singles titles, with the American claiming 23 of them
- Williams grabbed at her shoulder on several occasions but played the match out
- Switzerland will advance to the Hopman Cup final if they beat Greece
After both champions won their respective singles ties, Federer spearheaded Switzerland's 4-2, 4-3 (5-3) victory in the mixed doubles decider at the Hopman Cup in Perth.
"I was nervous returning," Federer said after the match.
"People talk about her serve so much and I see why it is such a wonderful serve because you just can't read it," Federer said.
"I can't read yours either," Williams joked.
Federer and playing partner Belinda Bencic overcame Williams and Frances Tiafoe in the Fast4 format in front of a 14,000 capacity crowd.
"It was so fun. This is super cool that we get to do it at such a pinnacle point of our careers," Williams said.
"It was a great experience, I'm kind of sad it's over, I was just warming up."
Federer and Williams have won a whopping 43 grand slam singles titles between them, with the American claiming 23 of them.
Before the match Williams had talked of wanting a selfie with Federer post match and the pair had their special moment after the game, posing together on the court with a selfie-stick.
External Link: @serenawilliams: insta – selfie with roger federer
Defending champion Switzerland will qualify for Saturday's final if it beats Greece on Thursday. The United States, which lost to Greece on Monday, can't advance.
The much-hyped contest lived up to the billing immediately, with Federer almost running down a Williams smash into the open court.
Williams and Federer both served well against each other, but Federer's sublime touch at the net proved decisive.
Williams grabbed at her right shoulder on several occasions late in the second set but played the match out.
Earlier, Federer beat Tiafoe 6-4, 6-1 in the men's singles before Williams levelled the tie with a comeback 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Bencic.
Both players are hoping to add to their extensive trophy cabinets with a win at the Australian Open.
ABC/AP
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