Roger Federer seals David Cup win for Switzerland

Roger Federer after winning his final match against Richard Gasquet. Picture: Reuters

For once, the result was not all about Roger Federer. But as the fireworks sparkled around the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille and the confetti littered the court, this was Federer’s moment.

He had just demolished Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 to give Switzerland an unassailable 3-1 lead in the Davis Cup final and claim the huge and historic trophy for his team and his countrymen. Switzerland had only reached the final once before back in 1992 when they were overwhelmed by the USA and for all Federer’s domination of the rankings and the grand slam tournaments over the past 11 years, he had never managed to steer Switzerland anywhere near the trophy before. But when the moment came and the match was won, he wanted to make sure everyone in the team took the credit.

“This is not for me; this is for them,” Federer said. “I’ve won enough in my career that I don’t need this to complete my… everything, ticking off the boxes. I’m happy I was able to stay calm and play a good match. This one is for the boys.”