LILLE // Roger Federer defeated Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in the first reverse singles match yesterday as Switzerland won the Davis Cup final against France by taking an unassailable 3-1 lead.

The 17-time grand slam title champion gave Switzerland their first triumph in the team competition and added the only big trophy in tennis missing from his collection.

The 33-year-old Federer and Stan Wawrinka had put Switzerland into a 2-1 lead on Saturday with a straight sets defeat of Gasquet and Julien Benneteau in the doubles.

Federer was thrashed by Gael Monfils in his first singles match after struggling with a bad back but recovered as the weekend progressed and did not face a break point yesterday.

“I’m happy I was able to stay calm and play a good match, and I’m really happy for the guys in the team, everybody worked incredibly hard to get me match ready,” Federer said.

“Stan has put in so much effort over the years and played an unbelievable weekend that gave me the opportunity today. I’m very much aware of that, this one is for the boys.”

It took 15 years for the former top-ranked Federer to achieve glory in the Davis Cup after making his debut in the prestigious event in 1999. He fell on his knees after converting his first match point and laid face down on the court before hugging team captain Severin Luthi and his teammates.

“It’s not for me, I’ve won enough in my career and did not need to tick any empty boxes,” Federer said.

“I’m just happy for everybody else. I’m happy we could live a great tennis historic moment in our country.”

Moving well and varying with his backhand, Federer gave a tennis masterclass to Gasquet, who was overwhelmed in the rallies and struggled to read his opponent’s serve throughout.

“He was not unbeatable today, but he only made a few mistakes,” said Gasquet, who replaced the injured Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. “It’s a shame I could not get any break point.”

Results

Roger Federer bt Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-2, 6-2

Saturday: Federer / Wawrinka bt Julien Benneteau/Richard Gasquet 6-3, 7-5, 6-4

Stan Wawrinka bt Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2

Friday: Gael Monfils bt Roger Federer 6-1, 6-4, 6-3

Past 10 winners

2014 Switzerland

2012 Czech Republic

2012 Czech Republic

2011 Spain

2010 Serbia

2009 Spain

2008 Spain

2007 United States

2006 Russia

2005 Croatia

2004 Spain