Roger Federer and Serena Williams, arguably the greatest men’s and women’s tennis players ever, are set to play each other for the first time in their careers.
They will play a mixed doubles match in the Hopman Cup competition in Perth on Tuesday. Federer and Williams have won a combined total of 43 Grands Slam titles.
On the match-up, Federer said: “It is very exciting for both of us and I hope a lot of tennis fans tune in and watch it.
“I admire everything she’s done on and off the court, we are both fierce competitors and we always want to win.”
Williams said it was “a dream come true” and added: “I have been looking forward to it. This is so cool.
Federer added it may be the only time that the legendary pair share a tennis court. “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’s great to be playing against her.”
He began his season beating Britain’s Cameron Norrie last night in straight sets 6-1 6-1.
The match has been labelled by many as one of the most exciting and anticipated match involving a male and female player since Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the sexes” in 1973.
On hearing about Williams’ intent at capturing a selfie with the Swiss star to share on Instagram, he responded by saying “it’s the age of social media.”
