TOURNAMENT director Paul Kilderry has predicted the frenzy surrounding superstar Roger Federer at the Hopman Cup could surpass the interest from last summer, when the veteran returned to Perth for the first time in 15 years.

Federer arrived in Perth last December following a six-month lay-off with a knee injury and was entering the unknown in the twilight of his career.

The 36-year-old legend will return this week as the world No.2, having added another two grand slam triumphs to his glittering career-haul, including the 2017 Australian Open.

Kilderry said tickets sold to Federer’s matches at Perth Arena this summer should surpass last summer’s total.

Federer’s top-10 clash with American Jack Sock on January 4 is sold out, however tickets remain for his opening match against Japan’s Yuichi Sugita on Saturday night and against Russian Karen Khachanov on January 2.

Organisers expect all three of the Swiss master’s outings to sell-out, meaning the record WA tennis crowd of 13,917 from last summer could be nudged.

“To win the Aussie Open just vindicates that the preparation was perfect for him. And to win Wimbledon again and to legitimately look now like he could win any slam, is just incredible,” Kilderry said.

Federer is expected in Perth with his wife Mirka and four children in midweek and will spend a few days acclimatising.

He will attend the Hopman Cup Ball on New Year’s Eve and is likely to be involved in a tourism promotion, while also enjoying private getaways. The State Government is paying Federer an appearance fee.

Last summer he took a family day trip to Rottnest Island, visited the Swan Valley and attended a theatre show.

Whether the public will again get the chance to watch a Federer practice for free is a moot point, after 6,000 fans flooded Perth Arena last summer to watch him hitting up.

Federer’s Swiss partner Belinda Bencic was due to arrive late last night. German rising star Alexander Zverev, 20, is already in Perth and will meet Belgium’s David Goffin, ranked seven, on Monday night.

The tournament will feature four of the top eight men in the world, with Federer joined by Zverev, Goffin and Sock.

“Week one of the year is one of, if not the most competitive week of the year and to have four of the top eight men is a real tick for the tournament,” Kilderry said.