Federer commits to Davis Cup match

Published on Tuesday 28 October 2008 21:57

ROGER Federer has ended the speculation over his Davis Cup plans and announced he will play for Switzerland against the United States next March.

It will be the first time in five years that the 13-time Grand Slam singles winner has broken up his early season schedule for the Davis Cup.

"I am excited to once again join my fellow Swiss team-mates, who I have a great friendship with," said Federer. "I look forward to what I am sure will be a tough weekend."

The World Group first-round series will be played 6-8 March in the US at a venue to be chosen by the United States Tennis Association in the next six weeks. Federer helped Switzerland rejoin the elite World Group when they beat Belgium last month. He beat Kristof Vliegen in straight sets, then teamed up with Stanislas Wawrinka, his Olympic doubles gold medal-winning partner in Beijing, to win their doubles match.

Federer last played a Davis Cup first-round match in 2004, a victory over Romania in Bucharest.

Meanwhile, Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro put himself firmly on course for a Masters Cup berth when he thrashed Croatian Mario Ancic 6-0, 6-4 in the second round of the Paris Masters Series tournament.

Ninth seed Del Potro, seventh in the ATP Race after claiming four ATP titles within five weeks this year, is one of the contenders for the three remaining spots in the season-ending tournament in Shanghai.

Local favourite Gael Monfils became the first player to reach the third round with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Argentine qualifier Juan Monaco

and will now meet world No 1 Rafael Nadal if the Spaniard wins his second-round match against either France's Florent Serra or Argentine Guillermo Canas.

"I know my game suits Rafa, it's up to me to find the weapons," said Monfils.

In first-round action, Swede Robin Soderling made light work of French wild card Josselin Ouanna with a 6-3, 6-4 win. The world No 18 will now meet second seed Federer.