Roger Federer last night joined Australia's tennis elite past and present at a gala dinner to pay tribute to the country's golden era of players, including former world No.1s Frank Sedgman, John Newcombe, Ken Rosewall, Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter, who between them have amassed 24 grand slam singles titles and 17 Davis Cups.

Australia and Switzerland begin their fight to return to the main Cup draw in the World Group today. 

Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt will battle it out against each other out on the first day of the Davis Cup at the Royal Sydney Golf Club.