Legends Federer and Serena take brilliant selfie during first ever clash
The Swiss star played the American Williams in mixed doubles for the first time at the Hopman Cup in Perth
ROGER FEDERER showed why he is the GOAT as he beat Serena Williams in their first ever clash - but he also used the opportunity to show why he's so loved as he took a brilliant selfie with his fellow tennis legend.
The tennis superstars, who have earned £150million in combined prize money, faced each other in an indoor mixed doubles event of the Hopman Cup in front of 14,064 people in Perth.
Federer and partner Belinda Bencic won 4-2, 4-3 for Team Switzerland against Americans Williams and Frances Tiafoe.
Federer praised Serena for her serve, saying: “It was great fun. I really enjoyed playing against Tiafoe and Williams. What an honour it was, thank you Serena to make this match possible. It was very entertaining. The crowd made it electric.
“I was nervous returning. People talk about her serve. You cannot read it. You cannot see it until the end. Hers is a bit better than mine. It was nervous-wracking.
“Serena is a great champion. To see how focused and determined she is, and I love that about her.”
Before the match began the pair took an amazing selfie which immediately racked up thousands of likes.
Williams said: “It was a great experience. I was just warming up! It was so much fun. We grew up together. So to have an opportunity after all these years to play each other is super cool.
“We have never done this before. I wanted to take pictures and bring my baby out. I was so excited.
“The guy is great, the greatest of all time to be honest, both on and off the court, he has such charisma.”
“There is a reason why he is the greatest – he has such a weapon of a serve. It’s a killer serve. Hopefully I can get some tips later.”
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The only time Federer was ruffled was when Tiafoe accidentally smashed the ball against his ear during a rally in the second set.
Federer and Williams, who are both 37, have won a total of 43 grand slam singles titles and when they finally hang up their racquets, they will be considered the Greatest of All Time in their respective fields.
This clash brought back memories of the famous 1973 ‘Battle of the Sexes’ encounter between Billie-Jean King and former Wimbledon champion Bobby Riggs.
The Hopman Cup, tennis’ leading mixed team competition since 1989, is set to make way next year for the inaugural ATP Cup.
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