Davis Cup: Roger Federer helps Swiss win but coy about coming back next year

Roger Federer guided Switzerland to victory in their Davis Cup World Group playoff tie against the Netherlands with an easy 6-3 6-2 6-4 victory over Thiemo de Bakker on Sunday.

The 17-times grand slam champion, beaten by Novak Djokovic in the US Open final a week ago, recovered after losing Saturday's doubles with Marco Chiudinelli to give the Swiss a decisive 3-1 lead and secure their World Group spot.

Switzerland, winners last year, were beaten by Belgium in the opening round in March when neither Federer nor Stan Wawrinka lined up for the Swiss. Federer, however, could well decide to miss next year's Davis Cup.

"My idea was never to win it twice, the idea was always to win it once and we did that in front of a record crowd, which was a great moment for us all," Federer told the Davis Cup website (www.daviscup.com).

"I see this tie in isolation. Next year is an Olympic year. The summer will be very long and packed with highlights. It's all a question of priorities. I can't play everything and of course if I do play Davis Cup other things have to drop out."

Related read: Andy Murray sends Great Britain into Davis Cup Final after 37 years

In other playoff ties, the Czech Republic clinched a 3-1 victory against India in New Delhi, while the United States secured a winning 3-1 lead in Uzbekistan thanks to victory for Jack Sock against Denis Istomin.

Fabio Fognini led Italy against Russia in Irkutsk, beating Teymuraz Gabashvili in Sunday's first reverse singles as Italy eventually triumphed 4-1.

It proved to be a fantastic weekend for Fognini who won his singles match on Friday before helping Simone Bolelli to win Saturday's doubles encounter.

Croatia guaranteed their place in the World Group with a 3-1 win in Florianopolis when Brazilian Thomas Bellucci retired in the fourth set against 18-year-old Borna Coric.
Bellucci was two sets to one down and losing 4-0 in the fourth set when he withdrew with back pains.

He had beaten Mate Delic to give Brazil a 1-0 lead on Friday, but Coric beat Joao Souza in the second singles rubber and Croatia edged ahead in winning Saturday's doubles.