Roger Federer, the 17-time grand slam champion, will play for Switzerland in the mixed-team Hopman Cup in Perth early next year, organisers said on Thursday.
The world No 3 will partner 16th-ranked Belinda Bencic in his first appearance in 15 years at an event that serves as a warm-up for the first grand slam of the season, the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Federer, 34, teamed with Martina Hingis to win the Hopman Cup in 2001 and also played the following year with his now wife Miroslava Vavrinec, better known as Mirka Federer.
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“I think it will be a perfect tournament for me to start the season,” said Federer, who has used the Brisbane International in recent years as his main lead-up to the Australian Open.
“I thought on TV it looked great, the atmosphere seemed really nice, the stadium looked fantastic so I’m looking forward to playing in that environment.”
Federer recently announced his decision to withdraw from the upcoming Toronto Masters, citing a need to rest following his Wimbledon campaign where he reached the semi-finals before losing to Canadian Milos Raonic in a five-set classic.
The Hopman Cup, which was won this year by Australians Nick Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova, takes place at Perth Arena from January 1 to 7.
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Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Company%20profile
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
WHAT%20IS%20THE%20LICENSING%20PROCESS%20FOR%20VARA%3F
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UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Kamindu Mendis bio
Full name: Pasqual Handi Kamindu Dilanka Mendis
Born: September 30, 1998
Age: 20 years and 26 days
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Major teams Sri Lanka's Under 19 team
Batting style: Left-hander
Bowling style: Right-arm off-spin and slow left-arm orthodox (that's right!)
FROM%20THE%20ASHES
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The%20Roundup%20%3A%20No%20Way%20Out
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