Date:24/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/24/stories/2008092456211900.htm

Sport - Tennis

Davis Cup: U.S. meets Switzerland in opener

MADRID: The United States’ chase for a 33rd Davis Cup title will start against Switzerland, while Spain and Argentina will both play their first matches at home following this year’s final.

Tuesday’s 2009 World Group draw handed the U.S. a tough opener at home against Switzerland, though it’s not certain whether Roger Federer will play in the March 6-8 tie.

The countries split their two prior meetings, with Federer leading the Swiss to victory in Basel in another first-round series played in 2001.

But Federer hasn’t played in an early Davis Cup series since 2004, preferring to wait until the later rounds. The five-time Wimbledon and five-time U.S. Open champion led Switzerland to a 4-1 win over Belgium last weekend to stay in the elite 16-nation World Group.

Switzerland’s other top player is No. 9-ranked Stanislas Wawrinka, who teamed with Federer to win the Olympic doubles gold medal in Beijing. — AP