Federer saves Switzerland's Davis Cup status

Amsterdam – A singles win from Roger Federer helped Switzerland stay in the top tier of the Davis Cup, with the world number one’s dominating win over Robin Haase helping his nation claim an unassailable 3-1 lead over the Netherlands on Sunday.

Federer looked at ease through Sunday’s first singles rubber, winning his tie in straight sets 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.

Earlier, Italy kept its spot in the World Group after going 3-1 up against Chile in Naples. Andreas Seppi sealed their victory with a straight-sets singles win over Paul Capdevile, 6-3, 6-1, 6-3.

Kazakhstan will stay in the World Group for the second year running after going 3-1 ahead against Uzbekistan on Sunday, when Mikhail Kukushkin beat Denis Istomin 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-2.

The winners of the Davis Cup semifinals will be decided on Sunday as well, with Spain leading the United States 2-1 in Gijon, and Czech Republic 2-1 ahead against Argentina in Buenos Aires in the other fixture.

Two ties were decided earlier on Saturday, with Russia dropping out of the World Group for the first time after their 3-0 defeat to Brazil, and Belgium beating Sweden.