Web Español Español
Davis Cup by BNP Paribas - Official Website Sponsors of Davis Cup
Home Page
Latest News
Search Articles
Twitter
Blogs & Features
Radio
Audio Interviews
Live scores
Video
Newsletter
Photo Galleries
News Feed (RSS)
Simone Bolelli (ITA)
Photographer: Angelo Tonelli
Date: 17 Sep 2009
Roger Federer (SUI)
Photographer: Angelo Tonelli
Date: 17 Sep 2009
Simone Bolelli (ITA) and Potito Starace (ITA)
Photographer: Angelo Tonelli
Date: 17 Sep 2009
Team Switzerland
Photographer: Angelo Tonelli
Date: 17 Sep 2009
Fabio Fognini and Simone Bolelli (ITA)
Photographer: Angelo Tonelli
Date: 17 Sep 2009
Roger Federer (SUI)
Photographer: Angelo Tonelli
Date: 17 Sep 2009
Photographer: Angelo Tonelli
Date: 17 Sep 2009
Photographer: Angelo Tonelli
Date: 17 Sep 2009
Photographer: Angelo Tonelli
Date: 17 Sep 2009
Photographer: Angelo Tonelli
Date: 17 Sep 2009
Photographer: Angelo Tonelli
Date: 17 Sep 2009
Photographer: Angelo Tonelli
Date: 17 Sep 2009
Photographer: Angelo Tonelli
Date: 17 Sep 2009
Photographer: Angelo Tonelli
Date: 17 Sep 2009
17 Sep 2009 - Centro Sportivo Valletta Cambiaso, Genova - Marco Keller
Federer's presence makes Swiss favourites
Switzerland starts as clear favourite in its Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Play-off tie against Italy in Genova primarily because superstar Roger Federer has shown immense heart and made himself available to play despite a heavy schedule.

On Wednesday morning, a mere 32 hours after his five-set defeat in the US Open Final, the world No. 1 landed in the Ligurian city with his family, coach and Swiss captain Severin Luthi. Probably not many players would have accepted such a challenge after yet another successful but tiring major tournament, for him however, the team competition has always had a special role. "I enormously like to play for Switzerland and all the players in the team are my good friends. Moreover, I had already to pull out in the first round (against the USA)," he said.

Federer had his first practice session on Wednesday night after the skies had cleared and after discussions within the team it was agreed that he would play on the first day. "Of course, I feel tired and it's not easy because it's also a new surface and different balls but I hope I still believe I have a little bit left in the tank. I hope I can win my match on Friday against Bolelli and contribute a point," said Federer.

The full draw is as follows:

Friday
Andreas Seppi (ITA) v Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI)
Simone Bolelli (ITA) v Roger Federer (SUI)

Saturday
Fabio Fognini/Potito Starace (ITA) v Roger Federer/Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI)

Sunday
Andreas Seppi (ITA) v Roger Federer (SUI)
Simone Bolelli (ITA) v Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI)


Simone Bolleli will try to stop the Grand Slam champion on Friday. "I am very proud that the captain has chosen me to play. I expect Federer to be a bit tired but he will still be very strong," the 23-year-old from Bologna said. Bolelli and Federer have played just once before, in Federer’s hometown of Basel last October, when the Swiss player overcame his Italian opponent in straight sets.

There the maestro had the spectators with him, this time it will be different. The crowd of 5500 will try to be an additional factor in the Centro Sportiva Valletta Cambiaso and Italian fans have been hot in the past. The Italians have won nine of their last 10 home encounters and it took the likes of the Spaniards with the impressive line-up of Rafael Nadal, Juan Carlos Ferrero, David Ferrer and Feliciano Lopez to beat the "squadra azzurra" on home turf.

If Italy wants to have a chance, Seppi needs to win. The good all-round player from the South Tyrolean city of Caldaro will face Stanislas Wawrinka in the opening match tomorrow. "It would be very nice to give Italy the lead," Seppi said. "I hope I can do it with the home advantage. I played him twice this year on hard courts and lost twice but it will be a different match this time."


Related Links on other websites
> Informazione en italiano
> Infos from Swiss Tennis

Related Links on Daviscup.com
> Tie Information
> Scorecards and statistics from the tie
> Audio interviews from the tie

Related Audio

  Interview with Roger Federer (SUI) - draw day

Free Real Audio Player  Free Windows Media Player
If you cannot hear the audio, then please update your media player by following one of the links above.
The Davis Cup is an ITF event. Contact Us  
© ITF Licensing (UK) Ltd. All rights reserved. No portion of this website may be duplicated, redistributed, or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the daviscup.com Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.       Website Accessibility Information