Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/315708
16 ITFWORLD SPRING 2014 The final four of this year's Davis Cup by BNP Paribas will feature Switzerland at home to Italy, and defending champions Czech Republic away to France. Stuart Fraser reviews the twists and turns on the path to a compelling semifinal line-up. F or all Roger Federer has done in tennis, there is still one elusive piece of silverware missing. Could this be the year the 32-year-old finally adds the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas to his extensive resume? The closest Federer has come so far was in 2003 when Switzerland lost 3-2 to Australia in the semifinal at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, with Lleyton Hewitt coming back from two sets down to beat Federer in the fourth rubber to claim the tie. Eleven years later, Federer has the perfect chance to erase one of the few lasting painful memories he has with Switzerland just two ties away from winning its first-ever title. It is ironic that it was in Melbourne this year where Switzerland's intentions for glory were set out. In January, Federer secretly sat down with teammate Stanislas Wawrinka and captain Severin Luthi to discuss his participation this year after missing the 2013 competition. A few days later, Wawrinka claimed his maiden Grand Slam title with victory over Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final. Luthi's smile was likely as wide as the Yarra river. When Federer turned up in Novi Sad just two days prior to Switzerland's first round tie with 2013 runner-up Serbia, shockwaves swept across the tennis world. "I always kept a tiny door open and I am glad to be here," a relaxed-looking Federer said. Although gracious in public, privately Serbian captain Bogdan Obradovic would not have been so glad, his team already facing a tough enough challenge in the absence of their star man Novak Djokovic. Federer's return was a successful one, beating Ilija Bozoljac in straight sets, before Wawrinka overcame fatigue and jet lag after his victory Down Under five days before to defeat Dusan Lajovic in four sets. The Swiss pair were not required again as Marco Chiudinelli and Michael Lammer wrapped up the tie with victory over Filip Krajinovic and Nenad Zimonjic. In the quarterfinals, Switzerland met a Kazakhstan team impressively playing their third World Group last-eight tie in four years after beating Belgium 3-2 in the first round in Astana. Despite having no players the road to glory DAVIS CUp BY BNp pARIBAS 16 ITFWORLD SPRING 2014 Roger Federer has boosted Switzerland's chances of a fi rst Davis Cup title Gael Monfi ls completed France's comeback against Germany