Federer disposes of Norrie in 57-minute Australian Open tune-up
20-time Grand Slam singles champ will face Serena Williams in mixed doubles match
Roger Federer started preparation for his Australian Open title defence in style with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Cameron Norrie at the Hopman Cup on Sunday.
The 37-year-old Federer sent his 23-year-old opponent from Britain back to reality in a one-sided match lasting just 57 minutes.
The No. 91-ranked Norrie had defeated Greece's No. 15-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets on Saturday in one of the biggest victories of his career, but was outclassed in his first match against Federer.
"This was a great start but obviously a long way to go here and in Melbourne," Federer said from Perth, Australia. "It's nice that I'm feeling as good as I am and played a wonderful match against Cameron.
"I was happy with all aspects of my game . footwork, offensive play, serve, return. It was all there."
Federer started the match nervously and dropped the first three points, but dug out of a hole with trademark clutch serving. He discovered his groove by dominating Norrie's serve and broke in the second game with a powerful cross-court backhand winner.
Federer moved the British player around by crisply hitting the lines as he won five games in a row to take control of the set. Norrie was saved total humiliation by saving two set points in the sixth game to get on the scoreboard and earn healthy applause from the near capacity crowd.
Good training ground
Norrie seemed momentarily inspired as he gained two break points before Federer once again recovered to close out the first set in 31 minutes.
Federer's appearances at the past two Hopman Cups laid the groundwork for successful Australian Open campaigns.
His playing partner Belinda Bencic also won to seal defending champion Switzerland's victory over Britain in Group B.
Federer and Bencic will next take on Serena Williams and Frances Tiafoe to begin the new year with arguably the most anticipated match in the tournament's three-decade history.
Showpiece match against Serena Williams
Tickets were sold out soon after being released for the showpiece encounter, which pits Federer and Williams on court for the first time. The 37-year-olds have won 43 Grand Slam singles titles between them.
"It's very exciting for us. I hope tennis fans tune in and watch it because it's going to be one time and probably never again in this type of competition," Federer said.
By most people's standards, the two stars have an unusual meeting place.
"I don't know her that well. I only know her from some champions' dinners at Wimbledon," Federer said. "We have busy lives and a big entourage, so it's rare to really deep dive. We can relate to each other more so now, being parents."