Federer to open Davis Cup series against Serbia

Switzerland's Roger Federer (right)speaks with team captain Severin Luthi during the draw for the tennis Davis Cup World Group play-off first round match between Serbia and Switzerland, in Novi Sad, Serbia on Thursday. Photo: AP

Roger Federer will open Switzerland’s Davis Cup first-round match against Serbia by playing Ilija Bozoljac on Friday, while Australian Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka faces Dusan Lajovic.

Switzerland is an overwhelming favourite against Serbia, last year’s finalist and the 2010 Davis Cup champion, which will be without Novak Djokovic. The second-ranked Serb decided to rest after losing to Wawrinka in the Australian Open quarterfinals. Lajovic at No. 102 is Serbia’s highest-ranked team member.

Federer was a surprising inclusion in the Swiss team, having played only one first-round match since 2004. He last represented Switzerland in September 2012, helping win a relegation playoff against the Netherlands.

The series opens on Friday on indoor hard court. Doubles are on Saturday and reverse singles on Sunday.

The winner plays Belgium or Kazakhstan in the quarterfinals in April.