Federer beats De Bakker in Davis Cup playoff

AMSTERDAM— Top-ranked Roger Federer beat 159th-ranked Thiemo de Bakker in straight sets and Stanislas Wawrinka defeated Robin Haase to give Switzerland a 2-0 lead over the Netherlands in their Davis Cup World Group playoff on Friday.

Federer overcame wet and windy conditions on a temporary outdoor clay court in Amsterdam to beat De Bakker 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

“On the serve it can play tricks on you,” Federer said of the gusty wind. “The ball, after you tossed it, it was moving away from you and you had to adjust the whole time. So to find a way to move the serve was pretty difficult.”

Federer said the match would probably not even have started on the regular tennis circuit because of the rain, but he played down the conditions.

“It’s ok, no problem,” he said. “I mean, I’d prefer a sunny day, who wouldn’t? But this is a challenge as well.”

Federer’s doubles partner Wawrinka had a tougher time against Haase, but eventually won 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4).

Federer and Wawrinka, the 2008 Olympic doubles champions, can wrap up the playoff Saturday by beating Haase and Jean-Julien Rojer in the doubles. Reverse singles are scheduled for Sunday.