Costa gains Davis Cup upper hand

Albert Costa gave Spain a superb start this afternoon in their bid to land the Davis Cup.

Costa kicked off the opening singles in this three-day final in Barcelona against Australia by taking a two sets to one lead against Lleyton Hewitt.

In front of 14,000 fans, of which 3,000 were Australians, Costa swept to the first set 6-3.

But then Aussie No1 Hewitt roared back to take the second set 6-1.

The third set went with serve until game six, but then Costa stepped up a gear to break Hewitt's serve.

Costa served out for a 5-2 lead and then broke Hewitt again to take the third set 6-2.

Juan Carlos Ferrero faces Pat Rafter in today's second singles match.