Belinda Bencic told Todd Woodbridge teammate Roger Federer 'motivated me in the locker room'. Photo / Twitter
Belinda Bencic told Todd Woodbridge teammate Roger Federer 'motivated me in the locker room'. Photo / Twitter
It's the tennis match that just keeps on giving.
The mixed doubles clash between Switzerland and United States at the Hopman Cup in Perth on Tuesday — which featured tennis royalty Roger Federer and Serena Williams — delighted the world.
There were cracking shots, heartwarming exchanges and a selfie that has gone around the globe.
But the funniest moment came after Federer and Swiss teammate Belinda Bencic wrapped up victory against Williams and Francis Tiafoe.
The pair joined Aussie doubles legend Todd Woodbridge for an on-court interview — and it quickly went off the rails after an unintentionally hilarious slip by Bencic.
The world number 54 bounced back from a tough singles defeat against Williams to shine in the mixed doubles, returning exceptionally well against Tiafoe's serve.
Asked by Woodbridge about her ability to respond, Bencic said: "It was very difficult but I am very happy — Roger motivated me in the locker room".
While Bencic didn't immediately realise the suggestive nature of her phrasing, Federer sure did and got the giggles.
Belinda Bencic and Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrate winning the mixed doubles match against Serena Williams and Frances Tiafoe of the United States. Photo / Getty
"I hope you're not sharing locker rooms," Woodbridge said.
"No! Not in the locker room, in the gym," said Bencic, as she attempted to recover. "In front of the locker room."
"Just to be very, very clear here," Federer added, to a roar of laughter from the crowd.
Federer gave Switzerland a 1-0 lead with a 6-4 6-1 win over Tiafoe before Williams overcame a case of the first-set wobbles to post a 4-6 6-4 6-3 win over Bencic, levelling the tie.
The mixed doubles clash was always going to hog the spotlight given it was the first time Federer had faced off against Williams in a competitive match. But the fact it would also decide the tie winner added extra intrigue.
The US, who lost to Greece in their opening tie, needed to beat Switzerland to keep their title hopes alive.
But it was Switzerland who came out on top, winning the Fast4 format 4-2 4-3 (5-3) in 46 minutes.
Switzerland, who have won both of their ties, will guarantee themselves a spot in the final with victory over Greece on Thursday night.
