Federer will kick off proceedings with Bencic at the Hopman Cup (Picture: Getty)

Roger Federer will begin his 2018 at the Hopman Cup alongside compatriot Belinda Bencic, while Novak Djokovic has been linked with a second appearance at the Brisbane International.

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The Swiss had always made clear his intentions to feature at the early season event in Perth and their official website confirmed what looks to be a strong field.

Germany will be represented by former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber and ATP world No. 4 Alexander Zverev, with Russia, Australia, Belgium, Canada, America and Japan also putting out teams.

Hopman Cup teams Switzerland: Federer & Bencic

Germany: Kerber & Zverev

Russia: Kuznetsova & Khachanov

Australia: Gavriolva & Kokkinakis

Belgium: Goffin & Mertens

Canada: Bouchard & Pospisil

America: Sock & Vandeweghe

Japan: Sugita & Osaka

Will Djokovic begin in Brisbane? (Picture: Getty)

Djokovic, meanwhile, could end up facing off against Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, with reports in Australia claiming he is being targeted by the Brisbane International.




The Serb confirmed his plans to start the year in Australia and he’s expected to play ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne after recovering from an elbow injury.

Djokovic has yet to confirm which tournament he will participate in but being absent from the Hopman Cup field, he is only really left with Brisbane or Sydney as possibilities.

Since 2014, the Serb has played in Doha – where he beat Murray at the beginning of 2017 – but he would be a real coup for Brisbane, should they land him.

Nick Kyrgios is also believed to be on the tournament’s radar, in what looks to be a very strong field for an ATP 250 event.

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