Wawrinka Gives Switzerland Davis Cup Final Lead

Stan Wawrinka secured the first point of the Davis Cup final for Switzerland, overcoming a second-set wobble to defeat France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-1 3-6 6-3 6-2 in Lille.

The world no 4 was in supreme touch in the opening set, registering two breaks of serve to silence the majority of a record crowd of 27,432 at the Pierre Mauroy stadium.

However Tsonga survived an early start at the start of the second to draw level, a double fault from Wawrinka handing him a crucial advantage in the fourth game.

The Swiss recovered from the setback and as Tsonga's standards started to slip, claimed a 4-2 lead in the crucial third set when his opponent slapped a forehand wide.

The reigning Australian Open champion sealed the set on his second opportunity with a crosscourt backhand winner and then immediately moved ahead at the start of the next.

Tsonga was broken for a second time in the set to slip 5-2 behind and Wawrinka successfully served out for the match, giving the visitors the early advantage on the opening day.

Roger Federer will have the chance to double Switzerland's advantage when he faces Gael Monfils in Friday's second singles rubber.

The doubles will then be played on Saturday before the reverse singles on Sunday, if required.