Federer puts Swiss in front

GENEVA, Sep 22 (Reuters) World number one Roger Federer gave Switzerland a 1-0 lead in their Davis Cup World Group playoff match against Serbia today, dismissing world number 92 Janko Tipsarevic 6-3 6-2 6-2.

Playing for the first time since his US Open win on Sept. 10, Federer was never forced hit top gear.

Generously applauded by the sympathetic Geneva crowd whenever he got the better of the home favourite, Tipsarevic enjoyed a mini triumph during the first set when he was able to break Federer's serve.

The Serb was already two breaks down by then, however, and there was no further chance of a fightback with Federer easing to a straightforward victory in one hour and 27 minutes.

Serbia, playing independently from Montenegro for the first time in the Davis Cup, will have strong hopes of levelling the tie in Friday's second rubber when Swiss number two Stanislas Wawrinka, ranked 44th in the world, is set to face Serbian number one and world number 21 Novak Djokovic.

REUTERS PM PM1833