Tennis star Roger Federer admits he's excited about finally taking on his fellow tennis great Serena Williams in their mixed-doubles match between Switzerland and the US at this year's Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia.

Tickets were sold out soon after being released for the showpiece encounter, which pits Roger Federer (L) and Serena Williams on court for the first time.
Tickets were sold out soon after being released for the showpiece encounter, which pits Roger Federer (L) and Serena Williams on court for the first time.
(AFP Archive)
The Hopman Cup might have saved its best for last as excitement builds for a showdown between two of tennis's greatest players - Roger Federer and Serena Williams.
The pair face one another across the net for the first time on Tuesday when the United States go up against defending champions Switzerland in the mixed doubles of the unique two-player, mixed teams event.
This year's tournament is expected to be Perth's final Hopman Cup and Tuesday's group tie was an early sellout on the back of the prospect of seeing two of the all-time greats, with 43 Grand Slam singles titles between them, on the same court. "It is very exciting for both of us and I hope a lot of tennis fans tune in and watch it," said Federer after opening his Hopman Cup campaign with an easy singles win on Sunday.

"I admire everything she's done on and off the court, we are both fierce competitors and we always want to win," added the 20-time Grand Slam champion of the once-in-a-lifetime match.
"It is going to be one time, probably never again. She is one of the biggest champions in our sport ever, men and women combined, so it is great to be playing against her." 'I don't know her that well' Federer said he had plenty of experience playing against women, going back to his days as a teenage tour hopeful in Switzerland.
Despite their long concurrent careers and having attended a few Wimbledon champion dinners together, Federer said the pair barely knew each other.

"I don't know her that well," he said.
"In the corridors and cafes, walking by each other, sometimes in the past she has asked me how are the kiddies and how is everyone doing, but if I said I know her it would be a bit of an exaggeration."
Williams has said in a television interview that she was looking forward to getting a picture with Federer for her Instagram page.
"It is the age of social media," said Federer, with a grin.
And yes, there will be two other players on the court.Source: trtworld.com