Davis Cup: Roger Federer seals Switzerland win over Kazakhstan

Roger Federer sealed Switzerland's place in the Davis Cup semi-finals as they avoided an upset by beating Kazakhstan 3-2 in Geneva.

The hosts had trailed 2-1 after doubles defeat for Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka, but Federer beat Andrey Golubev 7-6 (7-0) 6-2 6-3 after his team-mate overcame Mikhail Kukushkin.

The Swiss face Italy in the last four after the Italians beat Great Britain.

Elsewhere, France came back from 2-1 down to beat Germany 3-2.

France's top singles player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga overcame world number 96 Tobias Kamke in straight sets, before Gael Monfils won in similarly swift style against Peter Gojowczyk.

Germany had been without their top four players for the tie in Nancy and took a shock 2-0 lead on day one.

"I'm just so proud of my players," said France captain Arnaud Clement.

"There was a fantastic reaction from them, starting with the doubles. Germany showed a lot of spirit and energy - it's a real team - but I just knew that my players would give more than 100% for the rest of the tie."

Defending champions the Czech Republic will be their next opposition after they completed a 5-0 whitewash of Japan in Tokyo.

Federer, 32, was delighted to win the decisive fifth rubber for Switzerland after Kazakshtan had threatened a major upset by taking a 2-1 lead on Saturday.

"It's great," said the 32-year-old, who is trying to guide Switzerland to a first Davis Cup title.

"I was hoping so much I was going to get a chance to play and not just watch Stan play. I got the opportunity and I'm happy I lived up to the hype and the expectations, and I was able to get the boys through so very happy for them.

"I was confident, not silly confident, but respectful confident towards the opponent (we could do it)."