Federer thrashes Norrie to give holder Switzerland lead at Hopman Cup

Swiss tennis great Roger Federer on Sunday routed Cameron Norrie of the United Kingdom 6-1, 6-1 to give his team the lead in their Hopman Cup Group B tie.

Although Federer had to save three break points in the opening game of the first set, he proved to be more than the 23-year-old could handle as Norrie had to wait for five games before getting onto the scoreboard, reports Efe.

"It was very good. I came out of the blocks quick. I was not missing any rhythm," the tournament website cited Federer as saying after the 57-minute win.

"I am happy in all aspects of my game that things were working - foot work, offensive play, serve, return - it was all there. It was a great match for me," he added.

The 37-year-old Swiss player had to fend off other break points in the seventh game and then sealed the first set with a successful volley.

Federer's momentum continued in the second set as he burst into a 2-0 lead, and although he lost the third game, he proceeded to win the following four games without facing a single break point.

Despite the good performance, Federer, 20-time Grand Slam champion, kept his feet on the ground.

"It is still early days, but I feel like I have played some sets and points in practice, so you kind of know where you are," Federer said.

Federer is defending his title at the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam event, which gets underway on Jan.14.

The tie continues with a women's singles clash as Switzerland's Belinda Bencic takes on Katie Boulter followed by mixed doubles.

Next up for the Swiss team will be the United States, comprising Serena Williams and Frances Tiafoe.

The winners of Group A and B are set to meet in the final on January 5.

--IANS

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