GB survival rests on doubles win

Friday Federer bt Mackin Wawrinka bt Murray Saturday (from 1200 BST) Federer & Allegro v Rusedski & Murray Sunday (from 1100 BST) Probable reverse singles Federer v Murray Rusedski v Wawrinka Live coverage on BBC TV and this website Tennis on BBC TV

Great Britain must win Saturday's doubles against Switzerland to keep alive their hopes of returning to the Davis Cup World Group.

If Greg Rusedski and Andy Murray do not triumph then Britain will spend another season in the Euro-African zone.

The Britons take on the formidable pairing of world number one Roger Federer and Yves Allegro, at 1200 BST.

Switzerland hold a 2-0 lead in the tie in Geneva after Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka won the opening singles.

Federer crushed Alan Mackin with ease before Wawrinka followed that up with a straight-sets victory over Murray.

Great Britain captain Jeremy Bates had taken a gamble on resting Rusedski and using British number three Murray against Wawrinka.

Roger and Yves have won titles together so they have a big chance of winning Swiss number two Stanislas Wawrinka

But the plan backfired and Bates acknowledged his squad now face an uphill battle if they are to deny Federer and his team.

"I don't think it changes the tactics because we are still in the situation where realistically we have to win against that guy (Federer)," said Bates.

"We have seen how good he is and whether it was Greg or Andy, it was an equally formidable task."

Federer himself was in confident mood after putting his nation in with a great chance in front of their noisy home fans.

"We have not won yet but we are in a great position," said the 24-year-old.

"It makes it an interesting doubles and it is looking good."

Wawrinka, who earned his first Davis Cup victory over Scot Murray, agreed with his illustrious team-mate.

"Being up 2-0 gives us a lot of confidence," said Wawrinka.

"Roger and Yves have won titles together so they have a big chance of winning."

If Britain survive Saturday's testing doubles then the reverse singles the following day will be no easy feat.

Rusedski will be lined up to face Wawrinka while Murray will face world number one Federer for the first time.