Switzerland take 2-1 lead against France with doubles win

ByReuters

Updated 22/11/2014 at 17:14 GMT

Switzerland made a big step towards a maiden Davis Cup title when they took a 2-1 lead in the final against hosts France with Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka's 6-3 7-5 6-4 win in the doubles against Richard Gasquet and Julien Benneteau on Saturday

Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka (AFP)

Image credit: AFP

Federer, who looked in good shape after struggling with back problems this week, will have the opportunity to claim the winning point in Sunday's first reverse singles against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Wawrinka gave Switzerland the first point by beating Tsonga 6-1 3-6 6-3 6-2 and Gael Monfils levelled when he thrashed Federer 6-1 6-4 6-3 on Friday on the Pierre Mauroy stadium's clay.

France, who last triumphed in 2001, are looking to win the Davis Cup for the 10th time.

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