Roger Federer looking cool and confident at Hopman Cup just like last year

Roger Federer is looking very much like he did at this point last year, clocking in dominant wins and exhibiting vintage form, with his compatriot partner, Belinda Bencic, at the Hopman Cup. He certainly looks far more refreshed and at-ease than he did closing out the season last year, when he was still struggling with a slight wrist injury, that started up around Wimbledon.

This was a great start but obviously a long way to go here and in Melbourne, Federer said after his lopsided first-match win over Great Britains Cameron Norrie at Hopman, 6-1, 6-1.

Its nice that Im feeling as good as I am and played a wonderful match against Cameron. Although the 37 year-old seemed a bit nervous at the start, he was able to power through that to score the win for Switzerland.

All the weapons were there, a positive sign for fans. I was very happy that I was able to come out tonight and put in a good performance, Federer said afterwards.

I was happy with all aspects of my game: footwork, offensive play, serve, return. It was all there. The Swiss gazelle-like power was in full form for the Frances Tiafoe and exciting mixed doubles matches against Serena Williams, the battle of the 37 year-old GOATs.

It was all smiles all around, for the competitors as well as fans. Federer and Bencic are the reigning champions of the tournament. The 20-time grand slam winner also holds a second Hopman Cup along with the great Martina Hingis.

He is going for his hat trick, third Cup trophy this year. Switzerland didnt win in 2017, but came close, with Federer finding a rejuvenated form prior to his inspiring comeback at the Australian Open that year, his first grand slam victory in five years.

High quality form at Hopman is usually a harbinger of an excellent run at the Australian Open. I think defending is easier than winning the first time around, said Federer in his on-court interview at Hopman.

The second time around, you know the technique. Its the same with winning a tournament, the next time around, you feel more confident. You have different goals as well So Ive got a lot of defending to do, in this Australian summer.

Im ready to go. This was a great start. The sports legend began with another slam victory Down Under in 2018, but seemed to peter out as the punishing tennis season wore on, looking mostly out-of-sorts in the fourth round of last years U.S.

Open. I hurt my hand training at the start of the grass season, Federer said in a press conference at the time.

Its had more consequences than I thought. I dragged this pain for about three months. Its not an excuse, and were not making a fuss over it. I dont know exactly what it was, wrist or finger, continued Federer, while at the Laver Cup last fall.

I suddenly felt it at a stroke at practice before Stuttgart, the pain went up all the way into the arm and caused troubles till US Open. The six-time AO champion is gunning for a record seventh title.

He and Novak Djokovic are tied for most Melbourne slam crowns. Federer would like to own the record outright of course. Another ATP title would also be his 100th, becoming only the second man to own ATP titles in triple digits (Jimmy Connors being the first and currently, only).

Winning his 100th ATP title at the first grand slam of the year would be quite a thrilling achievement. Federer also survived a scare from Greeces very talented Stefanos Tsitsipas on Thursday, just squeaking out the win with crucial tie breaks, 7-6(5) 7-6(4), booking Switzerlands spot in the final.

For me, its about maintaining a good level of play, said Federer in his on-court interview afterwards. Im happy where my game is at. And I was impressed with what I saw from Stefan. In the other group, Germanys Alexander Zverev is looking every bit the successor to the Big Four.

Zverevwith coach Ivan Lendl by his sidewill be a formidable opponent, riding the crest of his phenomenal success at the ATP Finals last year. Still, Federer fans can breathe a sigh of relief that the great sports legend is ready to defend his Australian Open title.