Federer win in singles lifts Swiss to Davis Cup playoff win

GENEVA — Roger Federer ensured Switzerland beat the Netherlands in a Davis Cup playoff on Sunday to retain its place in the elite World Group next season.

Second-ranked Federer beat No. 144 Thiemo de Bakker 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to seal a decisive 3-1 lead for the Swiss in the best-of-five series.

Federer never allowed a break point chance in clinching his second straight-sets singles win of the tie.

Switzerland, which won its first Davis Cup title last year, stays in the 16-nation World Group though perhaps without Federer.

Federer and 4th-ranked Stan Wawrinka have not committed to next year's competition, citing a congested calendar which includes playing the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro between Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.