Australia and Spain were locked at 1-1 after a dramatic first day of singles in the Davis Cup final today.
Lleyton Hewitt produced a stirring comeback to beat French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6, 6-2 and give Australia a 1-0 lead.
But Spain levelled the tie when Carlos Moya upset Wimbledon runner-up Mark Philippoussis 6-4 6-4 4-6 7-6 in the second rubber.
"The Australians are favourites, but we are happy with that," Spanish captain Jordi Arrese said. "Our players are highly motivated to take the salad bowl [Davis Cup trophy] home."
There was drama even before the opening match when Spain's sports minister ordered the team not to start until an apology had been issued after officials played a pre-civil war republican anthem at the opening ceremony.
Mr Juan Antonio Gomez-Angulo, who was watching from the stands, left the Rod Laver Arena in protest over the incident. He returned after an Australian apology and the tennis began.
"This reparation was done but the Spanish delegation is not quite satisfied and we have indicated to the International Tennis Federation, that prior to the commencement of the doubles match, the correct anthem be played," he later told a news conference.
The doubles will be played on Saturday with the concluding reverse singles on Sunday.