Lleyton Hewitt came to Australia's aid with another determined comeback to give his country parity with Sweden after the opening day singles in their Davis Cup semi-final today.
The newly crowned US Open champion overcame Jonas Bjorkman to win in four sets after Thomas Johansson had clawed his way back from two sets down to beat Pat Rafter in a topsy-turvy five-setter.
World Number 3 Hewitt saved his team from the bleak prospect of a 2-0 deficit after the opening exchanges.
Hewitt slugged it out with journeyman Bjorkman, ranked 58, before coming through 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/2).
Sweden stunned warm favourites Australia from the outset when 18th-ranked Johansson battled with world Number 4 Rafter for three hours 42 minutes before prevailing 3-6, 6-7 (8/10), 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.
Johansson broke Rafter's serve five times in the final three sets.
The winner of the Sydney tie plays France or The Netherlands in the final on November 30th - December 2nd.
AFP
