Zverev's hilarious Federer plea steals the show

Alexander Zverev left the tennis world in stitches with a hilarious plea for mercy at history-making Roger Federer.

Federer became the first player to ever win three Hopman Cups when he and playing partner Belinda Bencic claimed an enthralling deciding mixed doubles rubber against Germany’s Zverev and Angelique Kerber.

Federer gave Switzerland a 1-0 lead in the tie with a 6-4 6-2 win over world No.4 Alexander Zverev.

However, Kerber then took the tournament into a decider after levelling the tie with a 6-4 7-6 (8-6) win over Bencic in the women’s singles rubber.

The Swiss duo of Federer and Bencic then prevailed4-0 1-4 4-3 (5-4) in one of the most extraordinary mixed doubles rubbers of recent memory that came down to the final point.

During the presentation ceremony, Zverev stole the show with a cheeky runner-up speech in which he casually asked why Federer couldn’t just let someone else win for a change.

“Well first of all congratulations to you guys. Again,” Zverev started by saying.

“We’re all tired of you guys already but what can we do?

“Especially you [Roger]. You’re thirty-whatever. Why? Just why?

“Let us have one, just the Hopman Cup, just once.”

Federer and the Perth crowd could see the funny side of it and Zverev went on to congratulate the Swiss pair with some lovely words.

Germany blew a championship point before it reached that stage, and they again faltered when everything was on the line, with Zverev hitting the ball into the net to spark Switzerland’s celebrations.

Federer’s three Hopman Cup titles is more than any other player.

The 20-time grand slam champion first won the Hopman Cup in 2001, when he teamed with Martina Hingis to beat the US.

The 37-year-old won his second crown alongside Bencic last year, beating Zverev and Kerber.

And it was the exact same script this year, with Federer winning his singles match in the final before helping clinch the deciding rubber in the mixed doubles.

“I’m very happy about these records, but I didn’t come here for that,” Federer said.

“What a thrill it was – not just the match point, but also the whole match and the whole week.

“It’s great fun. I’m happy, I’m proud to represent my country. It’s been a super pleasure teaming with Belinda.”

Zverev was gracious in defeat.

“We will remember it I think for the rest of our lives, especially how it ended,” Zverev said.

“We wanted to win. We were one shot away. I hope we can come back here many more times. We can hopefully maybe one day be holding that trophy.”

Saturday’s final took on extra significance given there’s a strong chance it will be the last ever Hopman Cup.

A new ATP World Team Cup tournament is set to be introduced in Australia next year, with the Hopman Cup almost certain to make way for the 24-team event.

Federer beat Frances Tiafoe, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Cameron Norrie, and Zverev in straight sets at the Hopman Cup, giving him an excellent preparation for his Australian Open title defence.

“I’m happy I’m feeling this good and playing as well as I am,” Federer said.

“It’s good to finish on a singles performance like this. I’m a bit surprised that the matches have gone as well as they have.”

With AAP