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SPORTS Monday 31 deceMber 2018

Return to sender: Roger Federer

looking forward to Serena's serve

By TRISTAN LAVALETTE his Australian Open title de- titles between them.
Associated Press fense with a seemingly ef- "It's very exciting for us. I
PERTH, Australia (AP) — fortless 6-1, 6-1 victory over hope tennis fans tune in
Roger Federer's wish is Cameron Norrie on Sun- and watch it because it's
about to be granted — he's day. going to be one time and
getting the chance to re- His playing partner Belinda probably never again in
turn Serena Williams' pow- Bencic also won to seal de- this type of competition,"
erful serve. fending champion Switzer- Federer said.
The famously unflappable land's victory over Britain in By most people's standards,
Swiss acknowledges being Group B. the two stars have an un-
excited about the prospect Federer and Bencic will usual meeting place.
of taking on his fellow tennis next take on Williams and "I don't know her that well.
great on Tuesday in a Hop- Frances Tiafoe to kick-start I only know her from some
man Cup mixed doubles the New Year with argu- champions' dinners at Wim- Roger Federer of Switzerland during his mixed doubles match
with Belinda Bencic, against Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter
match between Switzer- ably the most anticipated bledon," Federer said. "We of Britain at the Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia, Sunday Dec.
land and the United States. match in the tournament's have busy lives and a big 30, 2018.
"I admire everything she three-decade history. entourage, so it's rare to re- Associated Press
has done both on and off Tickets were sold out soon ally deep dive. We can re-
the court," Federer said. "I after being released for late to each other more so Grand Slam champion and put in a good perfor-
have always thought how the showpiece encounter, now, being parents." moved around the court mance," Federer said. "I
is it to return that serve and which pits Federer and Wil- Federer will head into the well and hit the ball crisply was happy with all aspects
go head-to-head with her." liams on court for the first clash in form after a mas- to overwhelm Norrie. of my game . footwork, of-
Federer made an impres- time. The 37-year-olds have terclass 57-minute thrash- "I was very happy that I was fensive play, serve, return. It
sive start in preparation for won 43 Grand Slam singles ing of Norrie. The 20-time able to come out tonight was all there."q

NHL union: Stars Oilers trade for defensemen

CEO out of line Petrovic, Manning, Norell

blasting Seguin, Benn Chicago Blackhawks.

Florida received defense-
were playing poorly for a man Chris Wideman and
team underachieving in a conditional 2019 third-
the Western Conference. round pick, and Chicago
The Stars held the final got forward Drake Caggiu-
playoff spot in the West la and defenseman Jason
when Lites sought out re- Garrison. Petrovic had one
porters in order to rip the assist in 26 games for Florida
players. Lites said owner this season. The 26-year-old
Tom Gaglardi also was Edmonton native had five
frustrated with the play goals and 44 assists in 254
of Seguin and Benn and games in seven seasons
DALLAS (AP) — The NHL concerned that a team with the Panthers
players' union says com- with high expectations Manning had a goal and
ments from Dallas Stars was in danger of missing two assists in 27 games for
CEO Jim Lites were "reck- the playoffs for the ninth Chicago this season. The
less and insulting" after Li- time in 11 seasons. Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) carries the puck 28-year-old has 12 goals
past Florida Panthers defenseman Alexander Petrovic (6) during
tes went on expletive-lad- The union said in a state- the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, and 34 assists in 234 games
en rants criticizing high- ment Sunday, "To say that in Buffalo N.Y. in seven NHL season, the
priced forwards Jamie Jim Lites' conduct is un- Associated Press first six with Philadelphia.
Benn and Tyler Seguin. professional would be a The 23-year-old Norell has
Lites also words such as gross understatement," EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) Petrovic from the Florida three assists in 27 games
"terrible" and "embarrass- while adding, "this is not — The Edmonton Oilers ac- Panthers and adding Bran- this season for Djurgardens
ing" while saying Benn, how professionals handle quired three defensemen don Manning and Robin in the Swedish Hockey
the captain, and Seguin adversity."q Sunday, getting Alexander Norell hours later from the League.q