The
Swiss team appointed Dave Macpherson as a consultant ahead of the final
against France, and his strategic advice paid off as Roger Federer and
Stan Wawrinka beat Julien Benneteau and Richard Gasquet in straight sets Saturday, giving Switzerland a 2-1 lead.
Macpherson
is a former Australian player who has been mentoring the Bryans since
2005. The American twins finished at the top of the doubles rankings for
a record 10th time this year, and for the sixth consecutive season.
''I
think he's been very helpful for us. We had a good, long conversation
about doubles. Not just yesterday and today, but in previous days,''
said Federer after the 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 victory. ''I'm so happy that
Severin had the idea to contact David, and David was ready to jump
onboard and help us.''
Federer and Wawrinka, who won
Olympic gold together in 2008, ended a four-game losing streak in the
Davis Cup at the right time, securing their first doubles win on clay.
They
played aggressively from the start against the French pair, taking
their chance on every weak second ball and bossing exchanges at the net
with a commanding presence.
''I
think we were perfectly prepared,'' said Federer. ''Obviously you have
to be able to execute it. I think Stan did that unbelievably well today.
I tried to keep up. Severin kept us motivated and going. It was a cool
last sort of 24 hours.''
The
French decided to send Gasquet and Benneteau for the doubles after
resting Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for Sunday's reverse singles. But Luthi said
all their opponents' options had been carefully analyzed.
''We
talked about the possibilities the French have,'' Luthi said. ''I think
it was a big advantage that David knows all the French players, doubles
players in general well ... It was a great preparation.''
Date: 23rd November 2014, Source: AP
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