Just days after a draining US Open final defeat, Roger Federer is hoping to help Switzerland regain a place in the World Group.

With his Olympic gold medal winning doubles partner Stanislas Wawrinka also competing, Italy’s chances of stopping them look slim despite their full strength team of Andreas Seppi and Simone Bolelli.
 
If Italy are to have any chance, it looks like Seppi and Bolelli are both going to have to beat Wawrinka. Seppi has the first shot at it on Friday morning but he lost to the Swiss no 2 in straight sets at both Indian Wells and Miami this year. Bolelli is unlikely to fare any better later in the day against Federer, during their only meeting in Basel last autumn, Federer had few problems in winning 6-2, 6-3.
 
Federer had a practise session on Wednesday evening to see how he felt about playing on the opening day. "Of course, I feel tired and it's not easy because it's also a new surface and different balls but I hope I still believe I have a little bit left in the tank. I hope I can win my match on Friday against Bolelli and contribute a point," the Swiss said.
 
The likelihood seems to be that will be the only singles match Federer plays this weekend. With the chemistry that Federer and Wawrinka enjoy as a doubles pair, Italy will be hard pushed to keep the tie live going into the final day.
 
Odds (Paddy Power):
 
Switzerland (1/10) vs Italy (5/1)