Switzerland's Roger Federer levelled the Davis Cup tie against Australia when he defeated Mark Philippoussis at Melbourne's National Tennis Centre.

Federer locked up the tie at 1-1 on the opening day when he beat the Australian 6-3 6-4 7-6 in a re-match of this year's Wimbledon final.

Earlier Lleyton Hewitt had given Australia a 1-0 break with a 6-4 6-4 6-1 victory over Swiss No.2 Michel Kratochvil.

Federer capitalised on a glut of unforced errors from Philippoussis, getting early service breaks in the opening two sets.

He edged ahead early again in the third before the Victorian fought back, sparking local hopes.

Philippoussis scored two service breaks in succession but Federer broke back and forced the set to a tiebreaker which he wrapped up 7-3 with a final point ace.

The doubles will be played on Saturday and the reverse singles on Sunday.

The winner of the tie will play either Spain or Argentina in the Davis Cup final.

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