Captain John Fitzgerald has admitted Australia could've done a lot worse than picking a home tie against Austria to open next year's Davis Cup campaign.

Last year's winners forced their way back into the World Group by winning a qualifier against Morocco in Perth last weekend after the first round flop against Sweden in February.

"It could have been a lot worse, we have a tie at home and that is always an advantage, there were a few difficult ties on offer," Fitzgerald said.

"Austria are a tough combination, they just beat Great Britain so they have some form, and quality players but it is good to have the first one at home."

World No.3 Lleyton Hewitt (28-6 Davis Cup record) is unbeaten in six meetings against Austria's likely singles combination of world No.37 Jurgen Melzer (4-15) and No.79 Stefan Koubek (14-12).

Fitzgerald remained hopeful that two-time Grand Slam finalist Mark Philippoussis would rekindle his best form after a horror 2004 in time for the March 4-6 tie.

The 1999 and 2003 Davis Cup hero is a good chance of having his world ranking slip into triple figures after not winning a singles match for three months.

"He has had a tough year," Fitzgerald said.

"He just needs to win, it as simple as that, Mark is the kind of player who can kind form very quickly.

"There is no secrets to Mark, he has a big game and he can strike the ball beautifully and we just hope he finds his form coming into the summer."

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