GENEVA (AP) β Roger Federer gave Switzerland a 1-0 lead over Italy in the Davis Cup semifinals by beating Simone Bolelli 7-6 (5), 6-4, 6-4 Friday.
Federer, seeking to help the Swiss to a first Davis Cup title, was rarely under pressure at the Palexpo indoor arena.
The 76th-ranked Bolelli hit more winners than Federer β 33 to 30 β but failed to convert any of his three break-point chances.
Federer improved to 36-7 in Davis Cup singles, including 15-1 on hard courts.
Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka was playing 17th-ranked Fabio Fognini in the second match.
In the other semifinal series, France leads the two-time defending champion Czech Republic 2-0.
