Federer, Wawrinka put Switzerland 2-0 ahead of Italy in Davis Cup semifinal

17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer overcame Simone Bolelli's early resistance as Stanislas Wawrinka eased past Fabio Fognini to put Switzerland 2-0 ahead in their Davis Cup semifinal against Italy in Geneva on Friday.

Federer, bidding to add to his substantial collection of honours by searing the Alpine nation to a first Davis Cup triumph, battled on the beat Bolelli 7-6(5), 6-4, 6-4.

Federer said that margins were small in the first set, and added that in the second set he was finally able to get the break and that broke the deadlock for him a little bit. He said that he was able to play with the lead, which is always easier, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Federer said that it was quite frustrating at times when the court is pretty quick, adding that they did not think it was going to be this fast but when one does serve well one really does feel the benefit.

Seventy-sixth ranked Bolelli, who was surprisingly selected for singles duty ahead of Andreas Seppi by virtue of having fewer previous defeats against the 17-times grand slam champion, stuck to his task impressively on the blue indoor court.

Meanwhile, Australian Open champion Wawrinka made light work of world number 17 Fognini, dispatching the Italian 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in one hour 30 minutes.

After struggling to rediscover the early-season form that won him the Australian Open title, Wawrinka has spoken of his desire to win the Davis Cup and he showed his intent by firing 16 aces and 37 winners past Fognini.

Switzerland have reached the final once, losing to the USA in 1992, while Italy got there in 1998, going down to Sweden, the report added.