Switzerland took advantage of Novak Djokovic’s absence to open a 2-0 lead over last year’s runners-up Serbia in their Davis Cup tie yesterday with Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka winning their singles rubbers.
Two months after their defeat by Czech Republic in the final, Serbia fielded a second-string team who were quickly put under pressure in their World Group first round clash.
Federer beat Ilija Bozoljac 6-4 7-5 6-2 while Wawrinka, fresh from winning his maiden grand slam title at the Australian Open, eased past Dusan Lajovic 6-4 4-6 6-1 7-6(7).
France got off to a flier against Australia with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beating Lleyton Hewitt 6-3 6-2 7-6(2) after Richard Gasquet outclassed Nick Kyrgios 7-6(3) 6-2 6-2.
First round
Czech Rep. vs Netherlands 1-1; Japan vs Canada 1-1; Germany vs Spain 2-0; France vs Australia 2-0; US vs Britain 0-1; Argentina vs Italy 1-1; Kazakhstan vs Belgium 2-0; Serbia vs Switzerland 0-2.