Roger Federer toughed out a 5-7, 7-6 (5), 6-2, 6-3 victory over Australia's Lleyton Hewitt to level Switzerland's Davis Cup World playoff tie at 1-1 on Friday.
Federer's had almost "won" team mate Stanislas Wawrinka's earlier rubber with hard-hitting Aussie teenager Bernard Tomic, who confessed to being a bag of nerves under his idol's stare.
Tomic quickly regained his composure in a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 victory which gave the hosts a 1-0 lead before Federer took care of Hewitt to restore parity.
"It's been a long trip for sure," said Federer, playing in Australia after squandering match points in the U.S. Open semi-finals against Novak Djokovic at the weekend.
"This was a different type of challenge playing Australia which has such a great Davis Cup tradition," added the 16-times grand slam champion, who arrived in Sydney on Wednesday.
"It's nice to see Lleyton, who's the same age, still playing as well."
Tomic told reporters: "In the first set I was (nervous)... Having Roger watch you is difficult. It's a bit difficult when you look up to your idol ... but it's a good thing I got the team off to a good start."
Hewitt will team up with Chris Guccione for Saturday's key doubles against Federer and Wawrinka. The winners of the tie will move into the World Cup next year.
