Lleyton Hewitt proved he could regain his World No.1 ranking, Australian Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald rated Hewitt's comeback against Roger Federer in the cup semi-final against Switzerland the equal to any performance by an Australian player.

Hewitt sealed a place for Australia in the cup final when he fought back to beat the Swiss star 5-7 2-6 7-6 7-5 6-1.

"If that was me I'd reckon I could be No.1 in the world," Fitzgerald said.

"And I think, why not, why can't he go back there if he plays at that level.

"But they're going to have some battles over the years, those two."

Fitzgerald, who watched Pat Cash's awesome comeback against Sweden's Mikael Pernfors to clinch the 1986 final, said Hewitt's feat was equally as good.

"I think, considering the opposition, that's as good as it gets, " Fitzgerald said.

"That has to be up with any performance by an Australian at Davis Cup level ever.

"The use of great sportsman or great tennis player or great anything in our society is over-used...but in Roger Federer's case he can truly be a great player...

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