They will play a mixed doubles match in the Hopman Cup competition in Perth today. Federer and Williams have won a combined total of 43 Grands Slam titles.
On the match-up, Federer said: “It is very exciting for both of us and I hope a lot of tennis fans tune in and watch it. I admire everything she’s done on and off the court, we are both fierce competitors and we always want to win.”
Williams said it was “a dream come true” and added: “I have been looking forward to it. This is so cool.”
The match has been labelled by many as one of the most exciting and anticipated match involving a male and female player since Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the sexes” in 1973.
After the match, the two posed for a selfie, which quickly went viral.
Oh what a night ?? pic.twitter.com/Fj9arBT6Ni
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) January 1, 2019
Williams, paired with Francis Tiafoe, lost to Federer and Belinda Bencic 4-2 4-3 (5-3).
Federer said after the match, “It was great fun and she is a great champion. You can see how focused she is and that’s what I love about her.”
Serena joked, “It was a great experience, I’m sad it is over, I was just warming up.”
“I mean the guy is the greatest of all time, both on and off the court.”
