Federer helps Switzerland take 2-0 lead over Italy

ROME (Reuters) - World number one Roger Federer cruised to a 6-3 6-4 6-1 win over Simone Bolelli Friday to help Switzerland take a 2-0 lead in their Davis Cup World Group playoff against Italy in Genoa.

Federer said he felt tired before the match after flying back to Europe following his five-set defeat by Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro in Monday's U.S. Open final but it rarely showed.

He surrendered a break advantage in the fourth game of the second set with a couple of poor forehands but he regained it in the next game and went on to wrap up the match with ease.

Earlier his team mate Stanislas Wawrinka pulled off a 6-4 6-1 6-2 win over Andreas Seppi, who took a break at the start of the third set because of stomach cramps.

"I was surprised to see how easy me and Wawrinka won," Federer told Rai television. "Maybe Bolelli and Seppi put too much pressure on themselves. Now we just need one more point."

Federer is down to join forces with Wawrinka Saturday for the doubles match against Fabio Fognini and Potito Starace before the return singles rubbers Sunday.

If Switzerland win the playoff they will retain their place in the World Group but if Italy stage a comeback they will replace the Swiss in the top tier of the competition.

(Writing by Paul Virgo; Editing by Sonia Oxley)