Federer beats Hewitt to level the tie

Roger Federer recorded his 40th Davis Cup rubber win for Switzerland on Friday in Sydney, when he beat fellow former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt of Australia 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-2, 6-3 to level the World Group play-off tie at 1-1. Federer, who hit 22 winners for victory in two hours and 50 minutes, has a 40-11 record in the international team competition (29-6 in singles).

Federer, who arrived in Sydney on Wednesday after reaching the US Open semi-finals, admitted, "It's been a long trip for sure. This was a different type of challenge playing Australia which has such a great Davis Cup tradition. It's nice to see Lleyton, who's the same age, still playing as well."

Earlier in the day, World No. 59 Bernard Tomic kept his extended his unbeaten record to 4-0 for Australia. The 18-year-old Gold Coast resident defeated No. 19-ranked Stanislas Wawrinka 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 on the grass of the Royal Sydney Golf Club.

"In the first set I was [nervous]," said Tomic. "Having Roger watch you is difficult. It's a bit difficult when you look up to your idol. But it's a good thing I got the team off to a good start."

Roger and Stan will play Chris Guccione and Lleyton Hewitt in tomorrow's doubles.

Date: 16.09.2011, Source: ATP