Federer fires Switzerland into Davis Cup final

Roger Federer secured Switzerland's place in the final of the Davis Cup for the first time since 1992 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.

Italy's Andreas Seppi beat Michael Lammer 6-4 1-6 6-4 in the fifth rubber but Switzerland, who lost to the United States in their only other Davis Cup final appearance, progressed 3-2 and will play France in the final.

The French beat holders Czech Republic at Roland Garros.

"It's really nice to share it with my team members," Federer said in an on-court interview after being hoisted on the shoulders of Wawrinka and captain Severin Luethi for a lap of honor round the court.

"I think I really struggled today. I think Fabio struggled all weekend. It's tough conditions, pretty quick court, so it's always going to happen especially if you are not serving so well. 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."

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, who has now won all five of his Davis Cup singles rubbers this year, 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.

Fognini rallied in the third set and took Federer to a tie break but the 17-times grand slam champion held his nerve, claiming it 7-4 to reach the first Davis Cup final of his illustrious career.

''It's nice that we are going to have the opportunity to do something very special at the end of the year,'' Federer said at the winning team's news conference.

In Federer's only previous Davis Cup semifinal 11 years ago, he lost a decisive reverse singles match against Lleyton Hewitt in Australia.

At age 33, Federer now has his best chance to add one of the few titles to elude him.

World No. 3 Federer and No. 4 Wawrinka, the Australian Open champion, should face a strong France team. France's 4-1 victory over two-time defending champion Czech Republic this weekend featured Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, ranked No. 12, Gael Monfils the No. 18, and No. 21 Richard Gasquet. All three officially live in Switzerland.

''For sure it can be amazing if we get that trophy, but it will be tough,'' said Wawrinka, who has had a career year at age 29.

Federer is intrigued if the French will use its home-team advantage to opt for clay or hard courts, potentially in Lille.

''The most classical matchups I’ve had in my career came against France. We are eager to find out what surface they are going to choose,'' Federer said. ''I think it's difficult for them as it is.''

"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. For me he played fantastic tennis."

The final will be played in France from November 21-23.

Date: 14th September 2014, Source: Reuters and AP