• Davis Cup World Group play-off

Federer focused on country not form

Roger Federer is looking to bounce back after his US Open defeat © Getty Images

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Roger Federer has spoken of his determination to help Switzerland in their Davis Cup World Group play-off rather than iron out issues in his game.

Switzerland face the Netherlands in Amsterdam, with the winning nation able to remain in the World Group for next year.

Federer comes into the contest having been beaten by Tomas Berdych in the quarter-finals of the US Open, a performance Federer described as "a very disappointing match" compared to his usual standard. But despite the concerns with his form, his focus will be on his country's bid for victory on a surface he has not played on for some time.

The location for the game has been chosen by the Netherlands who have elected to play outdoors on clay.

Federer said: "It's an interesting choice of surface from their side, playing outdoors on clay, but then again, it's an exciting time because Dutch fans are always amazing.

"Obviously we've been on faster courts for some time now. Now we're looking at a very slow clay court, outdoors, potentially in cold conditions. It's a matter of getting through and not losing, me being the overwhelming favourite in most of the matches. That's my focus. Right now, improving or trying out stuff is not going to be the case."

Federer is world No. 1 but he faces a battle to remain in the top spot in the final few months of the year. Playing in the Davis Cup would give him only three weeks before the start of the Shanghai Masters. He missed the Shanghai Masters in 2011 to rest after helping Switzerland to a Davis Cup win over Australia.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.