Switzerland are just one win away from defending their Hopman Cup crown after Roger Federer defeated Germany's Alexander Zverev 6-4, 6-2 on Saturday.
Federer was simply irresistible in front of a near sell-out crowd at RAC Arena, countering the power of Zverev with classy stroke play and unpredictable deftness.
Imperious: Roger Federer plays a backhand against Alexander Zverev of Germany as the Swiss combined power and touch to win the opening rubber.Credit:AP
Zverev unleashed a series of powerful serves, some of which exceeded 220km/h.
But Federer snared the crucial break in the 10th game of the first set, before breaking the young German again early in the second set on the way to the 70-minute win.
Advertisement
World No.2 Angelique Kerber needs to beat Belinda Bencic in the women's singles rubber to keep Germany's title hopes alive.
Federer has been flawless since arriving in Perth, beating Frances Tiafoe, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Cameron Norrie, and Zverev in straight sets.
Game, set and match: Federer and Zverev shake hands in Perth.Credit:AP
Kerber looms as the ace in Germany's deck, having won all seven of her singles matches over her two Hopman Cup campaigns.
Switzerland are aiming to win their fourth title, while Germany are gunning for their third.
Federer has already won two and a third would make him the most successful player in the tournament's history.
Saturday's final has taken on extra significance given there's a strong chance it will be the last ever Hopman Cup.
A new ATP World Team Cup tournament is set to be introduced in Australia next year, with the Perth event, which has was first held 30 years ago, almost certain to be axed to make way for it.
Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth are expected to share hosting rights for the incoming 24-team World Team Cup.
But if the Hopman Cup is axed, it means Perth tennis fans will miss out on the chance to watch top-quality women's tennis.
Most Viewed in Sport
[contf] [contfnew] 
Australian Breaking News Headlines
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
