(Reuters) - Roger Federer guided Switzerland to victory in their Davis Cup World Group playoff tie against the Netherlands with an easy 6-3 6-2 6-4 victory over Thiemo de Bakker on Sunday.
The 17-times grand slam champion, beaten by Novak Djokovic in the U.S. Open final a week ago, recovered after losing Saturday's doubles with Marco Chiudinelli to give the Swiss a decisive 3-1 lead and secure their World Group spot.
Switzerland, winners last year, were beaten by Belgium in the opening round in March when neither Federer nor Stan Wawrinka lined up for the Swiss.