Federer leads Swiss to doubles gold

Switzerland's Roger Federer won the Olympic gold medal he craved on Saturday when he and partner Stanislas Wawrinka beat Swedes Simon Aspelin and Thomas Johansson 6-3, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 in the men's doubles final.

The best player in the world for the past five years produced flashes of brilliance and was well supported by his partner as the battling Swedes were subdued in the first final of the tennis tournament in Beijing.

Federer suffered a shock defeat by James Blake in the quarter-final of the singles but leapt for joy after serving out the match.

The bronze medal went to American brothers Bob and Mike Bryan who beat French duo Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra 3-6 6-3 6-4.