Lleyton Hewitt’s return to tennis fell just short of an upset in Australia’s Davis Cup doubles showdown with the United States.
Team captain Hewitt came out of retirement and replaced Sam Groth in the Australian combination alongside debutant John Peers to take on American twins Bob and Mike Bryan.
The new duo clawed their way back from two sets down but ultimately fell to the 16-time grand slam champions 6-3 6-3 4-6 4-6 6-3.
The deciding return singles between Bernard Tomic and John Isner and Sam Groth and Jack Sock will be played at Kooyong on Sunday.