World number one Roger Federer [Images] has confirmed he will return to Davis Cup action for Switzerland [Images] against Britain in a World Group playoff in September.

Federer, who skipped Switzerland's first round defeat by the Netherlands in March, said he would take part in the home tie against a British side weakened by the absence of world number six Tim Henman, who has retired from Davis Cup duty.

Federer followed Tuesday's playoff draw closely, his agent said on Wednesday, and decided to return to the Swiss fold almost immediately.

"I will play," Federer said. "I will be delighted to represent the Swiss team against Britain.

"And hopefully I can help keep the Swiss team in the World Group of next year's Davis Cup."

Federer missed the first round Davis Cup defeat because it interfered with his tournament schedule.

But the patriotic player said all along he would keep his options open for later matches in the men's team competition.

Britain, who squeezed past Israel 3-2 in a Euro/Africa zonal match in March, would have been underdogs for the trip to Switzerland even against a Federer-less Switzerland.

Now they have a mountain to climb.

Britain's captain Jeremy Bates said: "It's an exciting challenge. The opportunity to play against the world number one is something everyone should look forward to."

But on Federer's decision to return, Bates added: "It's up to him to decide what he does, but it makes a bit of a mockery of the competition when leading players dip in and out.

"Federer did not play when Switzerland had a chance of reaching the quarter-finals, and will come back when he's needed to keep them up."

The playoff ties will take place over September 23-25 with the winners assured of a place in the 16-nation World Group.

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