Story highlights Historic mixed doubles clash at Hopman Cup

Federer's Switzerland beats US in Perth

(CNN) Roger Federer was on the winning side in his historic mixed doubles match against fellow tennis great Serena Williams at the Hopman Cup Tuesday, but in the end the result hardly mattered.

Paired with Belinda Bencic, Federer beat Williams and Frances Tiafoe 4-2 4-3 (5-3) to give Switzerland a 2-1 win over the United States in their round robin match.

More importantly, it was the first and probably last time that fans would get to see the two tennis players, widely regarded as the greatest of all time, battle it out across the net in a competitive match -- and after it was over they even had time to pose for a selfie that is sure to go viral.

A very special selfie. Serena Williams and Roger Federer strike a pose after their historic clash at the Hopman Cup in Perth.

Federer eventually clinched it for the reigning champion by claiming the winning point in the truncated tiebreak used in mixed doubles with a perfect angled volley.

The Swiss maestro had talked before the match of his nervousness at facing the feared Serena serve and his fears seemed confirmed as he was unable to cope with two deliveries in her opening service game, but thereafter he took control of the match with Bencic.

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