PERTH: Serbian glamour pairing Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic hope it will be a case of third time lucky when they join forces at the Hopman Cup starting on Saturday.

The duo are top seeds for the $1 million tournament at the new Perth Arena, and the long-time friends will be competing in the event together for the third time, having also teamed up in 2006 and 2011.

However, the unique mixed teams tournament has not been a happy hunting ground for the pair, with near misses at both of their previous appearances.

“Novak and I have been playing this tournament for a few years now, so we really hope we can take a step forward and this year go all the way,” the 2008 French Open champion said.

“I felt so bad and for Novak too (at the 2011 tournament).

“I really hope this year we can put it together and go all the way. We were so close and it was a bit disappointing the way it ended.”