World No.1 Roger Federer and his 2008 Olympic gold medal partner Stanislas Wawrinka put Switzerland 2-0 up in their Davis Cup World Group play-off against the Netherlands in damp conditions on Friday.

Federer eased past Dutch number two Thiemo de Bakker 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 before Wawrinka, the world number 17, defeated 50th-ranked Robin Haase 6-3 3-6 6-3 7-6 (7-4).

"It was important to get off to a good start and I played solidly in rainy and windy conditions," said Federer.

"He had some chances but couldn't take them. I was happy to come through the match unharmed and I was able to win the first rubber."

On Saturday, Federer and Wawrinka, who won gold in the men's doubles at the Beijing Olympics, face Haase and Jean-Julien Rojer.

Victory in that rubber will guarantee Switzerland a place in the elite World Group in 2013.