Roger Federer has only two days to tune up for Switzerland’s bid to break into the Davis Cup elite when they clash with Australia in their World Group playoff starting tomorrow.
The 16-time Grand Slam champion, whose last match was a taxing five-set loss to US Open champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows, arrived in Sydney yesterday, days after his teammates.
Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka will be expected to carry Switzerland’s hopes in the singles competition at Royal Sydney Golf Club against Australia’s former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt and rising talent Bernard Tomic.
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Federer looked relaxed in a practice session yesterday on the grasscourts at the tie’s venue, the 30-year-old training in both singles and doubles against practice partners in a possible preview of his participation over the weekend.
Wawrinka, who suffered a leg injury during the US Open, appeared in no discomfort during his training session and is likely to be named along with Federer in the singles when the draw is released today.
Australia have their own injury concerns, with Hewitt forced to withdraw from the US Open after failing to recover from an injured toe that has bothered him for months.
“I wouldn’t be putting a lot of money that I will be playing anything after this event,” Hewitt said on Tuesday. “I’m just focusing on getting through this tie.”
Australia, a former Davis Cup power with 28 titles, second only to the US’ 32, have lost all three of their World Group playoffs in the past three years.
“Roger is the main guy in the tie and he’s the guy with the most form and the best form coming in,” Hewitt said. “He’s not only a great singles player, he’s a great doubles player as well.”
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