Federer Looks To Overcome Bad Back, France In Davis Cup Final

Roger Federer will attempt to fill in one of the few gaps in his stellar tennis resume, as he leads Switzerland's attempt to win the Davis Cup against France. Tennis Channel will cover the tie from Lille, France from Friday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 23.

The sports's all-time Grand Slam leader will team with world No. 4 Stan Wawrinka (pictured, left), with Switzerland eyeing its first Davis Cup championship against a French team led by Jo Wilifred Tsonga and Gael Monfils on the indoor red clay court at Stade Pierre Mauroy.

Federer, currently the world No. 2, must overcome a bad back that forced him to withdraw from the ATP World Finals championship match against Novak Djokovic last Sunday in London, as well as some bad blood that surfaced during and after the tourney's semifinal win over his friend Wawrinka on Nov. 15.

Wawrinka will open matters versus Tsonga, while Federer draws Monfils in the second singles encounter on Friday.

The doubles on Saturday is scheduled to face the French duo of Richard Gasquet and Julien Benneteau versus the Swiss pair of Marco Chiudinelli and Michael Lammer. However, the team captain can change his charges up to an hour before the match, and if Federer is fit, Switzerland may insert its top two players.

If the outcome remains in question in the three-of-five competition, the reverse singles on Sunday will showcase Federer-Tsonga, and Wawrinka-Monfils in what could be the decisive encounter.

Emmy Award-winning announcer Brett Haber will handle play-by-play responsibilities during Tennis Channel's Davis Cup coverage this weekend, with former U.S. Davis Cup player Justin Gimelstob manning the analyst's role.

Coverage from Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille, France (ET, subject to change):

Friday, Nov. 21:

8 a.m. - Live Singles #1

11 a.m. - Live Singles #2

{2:30 p.m. - Instant Encore Singles #1}

{8 p.m. - Instant Encore Singles #1}

{11p.m. - Instant Encore Singles #2}

Saturday, Nov. 22:

9:30 a.m. - Live Doubles

{2 p.m. - Instant Encore Doubles}

{8 p.m. - Instant Encore Doubles}

{11:30 p.m. - Instant Encore Doubles}