Roger Federer secured Switzerland’s place in the final of the Davis Cup for the first time since 1992 by comfortably beating Italy’s Fabio Fognini in Geneva yesterday.

Roared on by a capacity crowd in the Palexpo Arena, Federer dismantled world number 17 Fognini 6-2 6-3 7-6 in just under two hours to give the Swiss an unassailable 3-1 lead.

Switzerland, who lost to the United States in their only other Davis Cup final appearance, will play France in the November final.

“It’s really nice to share it (victory) with my team members,” Federer said.

“I think I really struggled today. I think Fabio struggled all weekend. It’s tough conditions, pretty quick court, so it’s always going to happen especially if you are not serving so well.”

Federer gave the Swiss the first point on Friday by easing past Simone Bolelli before Stanislas Wawrinka doubled their advantage with a straight-sets victory over Fognini.

But Fognini and Bolelli combined brilliantly in Saturday’s doubles match to beat Wawrinka and Marco Chiudinelli in five sets and put the pressure back on the Swiss.

Having been rested for the doubles match, a refreshed Federer broke Fognini in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead before snatching another break to claim the first set.

Federer, who has now won all five of his Davis Cup singles rubbers this year, continued to trouble the Italian with his precision hitting and broke Fognini in the eighth game of the second set to take control of the match.

Fognini rallied in the third set and took Federer to a tie break but the 17-times grand slam champion held his nerve, claiming it 7-4 to reach the first Davis Cup final of his illustrious career.

“For the whole of Switzerland it’s great we’re in the finals now,” Switzerland captain Severin Luthi said.

“We couldn’t be happier. Roger didn’t have that much time to get used to the court and conditions and there is a lot of pressure involved. For me he played fantastic tennis.”

The Davis Cup final will be played in France from November 21-23.

The French yesterday wrapped up their semi-final tie against holders Czech Republic 4-1.

Julien Benneteau lost 6-4 6-3 to Jiri Vesely before Gael Monfils beat Lukas Rosol 5-7 6-4 7-5 in the reverse singles at Roland Garros.

Richard Gasquet and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga secured the winning point in Saturday’s doubles by beating Radek Stepanek and Tomas Berdych 6-7 6-4 7-6 6-1.

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