PREMIER Mark McGowan plans to take Roger Federer and his family to Rockingham when they are in town for Hopman Cup 2018 later this year.
Mr McGowan joined Hopman Cup Tournament director Paul Kilderry at Fraser’s Kings Park this morning to announce that the 2017 Australian Open winner and world number 5 would return to Perth for the 30th Hopman Cup.
The Premier said he would invite him to Rockingham to swim with the dolphins and go to Rockingham Centre.
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READ NOWFederer will again pair up with Swiss compatriot and former world number 7 Belinda Bencic, who is currently recovering from wrist surgery.
In a video played at the announcement, Federer attributed his Australian Open success to his enjoyable preparation at the 2017 Hopman Cup.
“Me and my family had the best time,” he said.
“It was the perfect preparation because I was in a good mindset and I felt so welcome.
“Belinda played better than I did and she lifted my game.
“We’ll come back again and try to win it.”
Mr Kilderry said he was excited about Federer and Bencic returning to start their 2018 season in Perth because the energy and atmosphere of this year’s tournament “was unbelievable”.
“The opportunity to see Roger, one of the greatest players of all time, back in Perth is unprecedented,” he said.
Hopman Cup 2018 is on from December 30-January 6.
– 13,917 people watched the tie between Switzerland and France in 2017 – 6000 people watched Federer on the Perth Arena practice court – 103,167 fans attended Hopman Cup 2017 – 40 per cent of this year’s crowd attended because of Federer
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