Hewitt-Federer clash on cards after Davis Cup draw

Friday, 15 July 2011 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

LONDON (AFP) - Australia will host Switzerland in September’s World Group Davis Cup playoffs, setting up a potential clash between Lleyton Hewitt and Roger Federer.

Switzerland have lost all four previous meetings against the Aussies, including the 2003 World Group semi-finals, where Hewitt sealed the win with a comeback from two sets down against Federer and Australia went on to take the title that year.

Meanwhile Canada, who made a comeback against Ecuador in their Zone Group I tie to reach the play-offs for the first time since 2005, will travel to Israel.

South Africa face Croatia for the first time, and Austria will travel to Belgium to extend their current 4-0 lead over their European rivals.

The draw was held at the International Tennis Federation’s headquarters here on Wednesday.

The winning nations in the World Group playoffs qualify for the 2012 World Group, while the losing nations will compete in their respective Zonal Group I competitions in 2012.

The playoffs are played alongside the semi-finals on September 16-18.

Defending champions Serbia will be at home to Argentina in the last four that weekend when Spain host 2011 runners-up France.