Melbourne, Nov 28: Lleyton Hewitt beat Juan Carlos Ferrero 3-6 6-3 3-6 7-6 6-2 to give Australia a 1-0 lead over Spain in the Davis Cup final today.
The former world number one twice fought his way back from a set down before overpowering Ferrero in the final set to claim victory in just under four hours.
Ferrero recovered from a service break down to force the fourth set into a tiebreak and edge towards victory but was unable to raise his game again as Hewitt seized control.
Mark Philippoussis was due to play Carlos Moya in today's second singles match with the doubles scheduled for tomorrow and the concluding reserve singles on Sunday.


Bureau Report