Australia narrowly survive Davis Cup test in Thailand

Australia narrowly survived a tough Davis Cup test against Thailand on Sunday, clinching the tie 3-2 despite Lleyton Hewitt losing his rubber.

Their victory in the Asia-Oceania zone group match means Australia will face India for the right to contest a playoff in September to return to the prestigious World Group after the Indians overcame Taiwan, also 3-2.

Australia had Chris Guccione to thanks for salvaging their pride after Hewitt crashed to a shock 2-6, 4-6, 7-6 7/2, 6-4, 6-1 loss to world number 155 Danai Udomchoke.

It left the tie delicately poised at 2-2, with Guccione saving the day for the visitors by beating Kittipong Wachiramanowong 6-3, 7-5, 7-6 7/4 in the deciding singles.

Hewitt blamed a hip injury for his poor performance in heat-sapping conditions.

"To his credit he played well and he played better as the match went on," Hewitt told reporters of his opponent.

"I have seen him play some good matches, he's beaten Tommy Haas in Davis Cup.

"My hip was playing up a little bit today from the third set which didn't make things easy, but I am still going to try and play Indian Wells next week.

"For me it is just a matter of strengthening the hip up as well, after the surgery it will take six-to-12 months to get back to full strength."

Australia play India in May.









Kasahara