Hingis, playing this event for the fourth time, routed Tamarine Tanasugarn, 6-1, 6-1, before countryman Roger Federer cruised past Paradorn Srichaphan, 6-4, 6-2, to clinch Switzerland's Group A victory.

"I felt very good, very confident," said Hingis, who has won 20 of her last 21 matches dating back to last season. "I hope that I can maintain the winning streak here in Perth just the way I finished and start the season over again."

In the dead rubber, Hingis and Federer crushed the Thai pair, 6-0, 6-1.

The 20-year-old Hingis improved to 11-0 in Hopman Cup action. She teamed with Marc Rosset to reach the final in 1996. However, they lost to Croatia in the final when Rosset had to retire with the score tied 5-5 in the third set of the decisive mixed doubles match. He thumped the backboard in frustration and broke a bone.

"Well, sometimes you just have to wait for your time," said Hingis, who was wearing a new outfit with one long sleeve and one short. "I know I have won all the singles matches but this is a team competition, it takes two to win the whole thing. This year I have a new partner, Roger Federer who is a great friend, I hope we have a lot of fun. We will just have to see this year."

Hingis was the year-end No. 1 player last season after winning a WTA Tour-best nine titles. But she went without a Grand Slam crown for the first time since 1996 and is sure to be eager to rectify that situation at the Australian Open.

Federer, 19, came close to winning his first tournament in 2000, stretching Rosset and Thomas Enqvist to the limit in finals at Marseille and Basel, respectively.

"Paradorn was playing really well, I was surprised with his form, I thought he was the weaker side but not today." Federer said. "Afterwards I picked up my game and started to play better, serve a bit better and came into the net more, he had a lot of trouble with that."

Thailand was a surprise finalist last season, losing to South Africa after winning a playoff just to reach the main draw.

On Monday, the United States, led by Monica Seles, plays 1998 champion Slovakia. Men's world No. 2 Marat Safin and Russia take on Belgium in Group B play.

The Hopman Cup is one of several warmup events for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year.