Roger Federer beaten by wonderkid Alexander Zverev in Hopman Cup thriller

Updated 04/01/2017 at 17:14 GMT

Roger Federer suffered a defeat to young Germany hot-shot Alexander Zverev at the Hopman Cup on Wednesday.

Alexander Zverev of Germany reacts while playing against Roger Federer of Switzerland during their eighth session men's singles match on day four of the Hopman Cup tennis tournament in Perth on January 4, 2017.

Image credit: AFP

Eurosport Player: A year of sport for just £19.99 – eurosportplayer.co.uk

The match was billed as "master versus the apprentice", with 19-year-old Zverev tipped by many to be the next big thing in the sport.

And the encounter certainly lived up to they hype, with the German winning a third set tie-break to secure a 7-6 6-7 7-6 victory.

Tennis

Alcaraz, Sinner 'already announcing themselves' as 'superstars,' says Federer

15/03/2024 at 17:25

Highlights as Zverev stuns Federer in Perth

The two charismatic stars put on a real show for the crowd in Perth, playing some superb tennis throughout.

But the slightly relaxed nature of the tournament also brought out the best in both players' on-court temperament.

At 6-5 up in the first set, Federer showed incredible sportsmanship to prod Zverev into challenging a call on the youngster's own serve.

Federer's amazing act of sportsmanship helps opponent Zverev, delights crowd

And later in the match Zverev entertained the crowd with a nifty trick as he continued to build his burgeoning fanbase.

Wow! Zverev catches high ball in his pocket, Federer loves it

This isn't the first time that Zverev has beaten Federer, with the Swiss veteran suffering a shock loss in Halle back in June.

Zverev interview: 'I always play unbelievable against Roger'

The result put Germany 1-0 up in the tie, although Switzerland fought back to win 2-1 with Belina Bencic beating Andrea Petkovic before teaming up with Federer to down Petkovic and Zverev in the doubles.

ATP Indian Wells

Federer calls on Tsitsipas to 'take it to next level' and bounce back from dip in form

14/03/2024 at 09:37

Tennis

Federer dazzles on basketball court in front of NBA superstar Curry

10/03/2024 at 10:54

ATP Indian Wells

Djokovic admits to 'strange feeling' competing without absent Nadal and retired Federer

08/03/2024 at 14:27

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me