After 2014 title, Federer done with Davis Cup

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Roger Federer will skip the Davis Cup this year after leading Switzerland to its first title in 2014.

Federer played the entire Davis Cup season last year, with Switzerland beating France, 3-1, in the final. The Davis Cup was the only major competition the 17-time Grand Slam champion had not won.

Federer won’t be in the lineup when Switzerland opens defense of the title in Belgium on March 6-8. And Federer said he has no plans to play in the Davis Cup the rest of the year, either.

“It wasn’t a difficult decision,’’ the 33-year-old Federer said Monday at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. “I have played for so long, and I think by winning it I can finally do whatever I please, to be quite honest.’’

The Swiss team in Belgium will also be without 2013 Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka.

Federer has played in 26 Davis Cup ties since 1999 for an overall 50-17 win-loss record.

“It’s been a big burden for me throughout my career and one of the things that has caused more difficulties in my life than many other things, I must say,’’ Federer said.

“I always feel there is so much guilt put on you from the federation or from the ITF more so than anybody else. So I’m happy I was able to finally tick that off and do it altogether.’’

Federer said his decision to dedicate himself to the 2014 Davis Cup campaign was more for his teammates than himself.

“I just really wanted Michael [Lammer] and Marco [Chiudinelli] and Stan to get it because they deserve it,” he said. “So for me, this year, it was very clear that I was not going to play.’’

While the Davis Cup is not in Federer’s plans, Wawrinka has not decided on whether to play later in the year.

“I hope Stan is going to play, next round or September or whenever it’s going to be to keep us in the World Group,’’ Federer said. “Who knows? You never know if they can win it without us, as well. It’s an opportunity, but clearly we are not the favorites now playing against Belgium.’’

AP