Tennis: Federer enters Davis Cup final for the first time

Sep 15, 2014 09:51 am

Roger Federer secured Switzerland’s place in the final of the Davis Cup for the first time in over 20 years by comfortably beating Italy’s Fabio Fognini in Geneva on Sunday.

Roared on by a capacity crowd in the Palexpo Arena, Federer dismantled world number 17 Fognini 6-2 6-3 7-6 (4) in just under two hours to give the Swiss an unassailable 3-1 lead.

“It’s really nice to share it (victory) with my team members,” Federer said. “I think I really struggled today...

"I thought today wasn’t the best performance from both of us, but then again, you’ve got to fight with what you’ve got and in the end I’m happy to make the difference.”

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Federer gave the Swiss the first point on Friday by easing past Simone Bolelli before Stanislas Wawrinka doubled their advantage with a straight-sets victory over Fognini.

But Fognini and Bolelli combined brilliantly in Saturday’s doubles match to beat Wawrinka and Marco Chiudinelli in five sets and put the pressure back on the Swiss.

Having been rested for the doubles match, a refreshed Federer broke Fognini in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead before snatching another break to claim the first set.

Federer continued to trouble the Italian with his precision hitting and broke Fognini in the eighth game of the second set to take control of the match.

“For the whole of Switzerland it’s great we’re in the finals now,” Switzerland captain Severin Luthi said. “We couldn’t be happier. Roger didn’t have that much time to get used to the court and conditions and there is a lot of pressure involved.”

Switzerland's captain Severin Luethi (L) and Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka (R) carry their teammate Roger Federer as they celebrate winning the Davis Cup semi-final. Photo: AFP