Roger Federer: 'Thankfully I am not playing Serena Williams in singles'

is excited to face in a promising mixed doubles match on January 1 at the Perths Hopman Cup. Federer will play alongside Belinda Bencic for Switzerland, while Williams will partner with Frances Tiafoe for the United States.

Thankfully Im not playing her in singles, laughed Federer. Im very excited to be playing against her and watching her up close. Ive seen her on the telly. In the stadium watching her like this when she plays Belinda (Bencic) will be a nice treat.

For me to be playing against her in the doubles, thats definitely something very special. She is a champion and a winner… so Im sure she also wants to do well. I agree its a big deal. Well probably play it down a little bit, say its not that big a deal for us, its just another tennis match.

But it really isnt because its probably going to happen once and then never again and thats why I hope were both going to be injury-free when that day comes around. Were just going to try our very best. Federer and Williams have a nice relationship with each other and they attended several events for endorsements together.

Roger will seek his Grand Slam title No. 21 at the Australian Open, No. 24 for Serena. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal: Worse players than David Ferrer won a Grand Slam title