Roger Federer is sticking with his recent successful formula as he eyes a record-breaking seventh Australian Open title in January, committing to return to the Hopman Cup in Perth.
The 20-time grand slam singles champion will pair up with countrywoman Belinda Bencic to defend the Hopman Cup title they won for Switzerland in early January.
It will be 36-year-old Federer’s fifth time at the mixed teams tournament and his third straight appearance, having gone on to claim the Australian Open title in both 2017 and 2018 after playing there in the build up.
The world No.2 is currently tied with Roy Emerson and Novak Djokovic on six Australian Open titles and has left no doubt about his ambition to go one better.
“I’m very excited to be coming to the Hopman Cup again in 2019 and trying to defend my title with Belinda Bencic,” Federer said in a statement.
“Perth Arena is a wonderful place to start the new year and it’s obviously the perfect preparation for the Australian Open.
“It worked so well the last couple of years, I can’t wait to come back.”
The 2018 runners-up, Germany’s Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber have also confirmed Hopman Cup return.
Federer’s presence was credited as a major factor in the record 106,424 attendance at this year’s event at Perth Arena.