By Chris Oddo | Friday, September 12, 2014
The Swiss and French are on the verge of the Davis Cup final after each swept day 1.
Photo Source: AP
Switzerland inched closer to its first Davis Cup final in 22 years, and France positioned itself on the verge of joining them on Friday as the Davis Cup World Group semifinals got underway in Geneva and Paris.
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Roger Federer got the ball rolling for the Swiss by easing past a determined Simone Bolelli of Italy. The world No 4 had a battle on his hands in the first set, but managed to take it in the tiebreaker on the strength of a single mini-break. In fast conditions, Bolelli did a great job of pushing Federer in the second set. Federer would need five set points before closing out a marathon tenth game with a forehand winner for a two sets to love lead. In the third set, Federer broke in the third game and held the rest of the way for the 7-6(5), 6-4, 6-4 victory.
“I’m just happy overall how it went,” said Federer. “It’s nice to see so many red shirts, white crosses. We travel the world all the time but when you get a chance to play in Switzerland it’s very special.”
Stan Wawrinka would follow with a comprehensive squashing of Fabio Fognini, 6-2, 6-3, 6-2, to put the Swiss one win from the final. Wawrinka’s performance bodes well for the Swiss, for they have to be considered the favorites to win it all if both he and Federer are playing peak tennis.
Wawrinka tossed in 16 aces and 37 winners to dismiss the fiery Italian in 90 minutes.
In France on the fabled terre battue of Court Philippe Chatrier, Richard Gasquet pulled the upset of the day in taking down Tomas Berdych in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga followed with a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 takedown of surprise starter Lukas Rosol.
"It was my worst Davis Cup match but also Richard played well," said a disappointed Berdych. "The truth is I was not a competitive enough opponent for him, that’s why the score looks like how it is.”
All hope is not lost for the two-time defending champion Czechs, who will look to stay alive in the all-important doubles rubber on Saturday. The Italians will look to do the same in Geneva.