France ousts Roger Federer, Switzerland in Hopman Cup

By The Sports Xchange

Swiss star Roger Federer leaves center court. Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI

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The United States and France will meet in the Hopman Cup final after Roger Federer couldn't lead Switzerland into the title match.

France's Richard Gasquet and Kristina Mladenovic defeated Federer and Belinda Bencic 4-2, 4-2 in the deciding mixed doubles match to prevail 2-1 on Friday in Perth, Australia and reach the final.

Federer was making his return from knee and back injuries that sidelined him six months. He went 2-1 in three singles matches during the week, including Friday's 6-1, 6-4 win over Gasquet.

"It's the third match into the year, so I am starting to feel the ball better and better and I am just moving around the court better," Federer said after his win over Gasquet. "I am happy with where my level is at -- I am very pleased that it is already going so well."

Bencic lost her singles match as Mladenovic outlasted her 6-4, 2-6, 6-3.

The United States qualified for the final earlier in the week. Coco Vandeweghe and Jack Sock are representing the Americans.