(CNN) -- It's one of the most individual sports, yet it sometimes demands that fierce rivals unify to compete against other countries in what could be called the World Cup of tennis. A Davis Cup final already steeped in intrigue soared to another level Saturday and now the question is: Can Roger Federer and Switzerland recover against France in front of a potential record crowd this weekend? Federer's back -- the area of his body that has intermittently hindered the 17-time grand slam champion in a mostly healthy career -- is only part of the issue. His relationship with teammate Stan Wawrinka in the wake of 'Mirka Gate' is worth monitoring, too.
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France hosts Switzerland in one of the most anticipated Davis Cup finals in decades
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Roger Federer is bidding for his first Davis Cup title this weekend in Lille
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Federer's back is a question mark and so is his relationship with teammate Stan Wawrinka
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The French are desperate to win the Davis Cup to end a 13-year drought in the team event
Federer was omitted from Saturday's doubles, as was @placeholder, though changes can be made on the day.