Switzerland: The 2014 Davis Cup Journey, Italy — The Angry Eyes Have It

 
Fed was back for more on Day 2, supporting Stan and Marco Chiudinelli in the doubles against Fognini and Bolelli.

Roger is blowing on his fingers…on the sidelines. You’re not playing, Rog…hahaha.

— Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) September 13, 2014

Bolelli proved to be a formidable challenge once again, and though the Swiss duo fought hard, they got broken at the end of the first set. 7-5 Italy.

 
Stan and Marco didn’t let it get them down. They fired themselves up, fired some aces, Fabio kicked his racquet in frustration, and the Swiss had Set 2 at 6-3.

Stan and Marco giggling. Strategy…or making fun of Fabio? 😉 — Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) September 13, 2014

After the relative calmness of the previous day’s matches, the doubles had a bit more drama going on…

Fabio really just wants to behead one of these guys if he can.

— Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) September 13, 2014

Gahhh, boys frustrated in that game, Stan punching his racquet. Had a chance for a break there. 3-2 Italy. — Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) September 13, 2014

I think Stan hit Bolelli again…lol. Fabio retaliation in 3…2…

— Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) September 13, 2014

Fabio laughing on the changeover and throwing stuff at his coach…lol. — Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) September 13, 2014

The tennis was fast and ruthless, and things were looking good for the Swiss…

WHOOOOOOOOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Two sets to one!!

— Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) September 13, 2014

Italians wondering how a guy with a name like Marco Chiudinelli isn’t on their side of the net…lol. — Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) September 13, 2014

The Italians rallied in the fourth set, storming back for a 6-3 win. The 5th set started well for Marco and Stan, but then the struggle became intense…

Ohhh, Stan brilliantly saved that point, and then Marco totally kills an easy shot. Then smacks his racquet down. Swiss broken.

— Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) September 13, 2014

Big COME ONNN from Stan…return winnerrrr! — Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) September 13, 2014

Fabio throwing his racquet down now. BP again…

— Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) September 13, 2014

GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH — Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) September 13, 2014

3/13… TOTALLY A SWISS THING

— anne r. (@stormberry) September 13, 2014

 
The Swiss boys fought hard, but a few crucial errors cost them, and it was GSM Italy, 6-2 in the 5th.

If the Italians weren’t so cute, I’d be really hating on them now…hah. — Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) September 13, 2014

Some fans criticized the decision to not play Fed, but it turned out it was the Maestro’s own choice.

Federer decided not to play today. Lüthi: “He will be fresh tomorrow, that’s an advantage for us.” Roger plays Fognini at noon. #SUIITA

— Svenja Mastroberardi (@svenja_mastro) September 13, 2014

Being up 2-0, and a Fedrinka doubles by no means a guaranteed win, it seemed a fair risk to let Marco and Stan have a go of it. Plus we’re guessing that Rog wanted his friend Marco to get in on some more of the Davis Cup glory. After Marco gave everything he had with Stan in the doubles, it was a shame he couldn’t nab the win.

(CLICK for PAGE 5 and FED THE HOISTED HERO!)