Hewitt, Woodbridge lead Australia to win over India

World number one Lleyton Hewitt combined with Todd Woodbridge to give Australia a winning 3-0 lead over India in their Davis Cup world group qualifier on Saturday.

The doubles victory means last year's Davis Cup runners-up have avoided the embarrassment of failing to qualify for next year's 16-nation World Group and relegated India to the second tier.

Hewitt and Woodbridge beat Indian veteran Leander Paes and newcomer Vishaal Uppal 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-1 at Memorial Drive as the home team finished strongly after a tight second set.

Wimbledon doubles champion Woodbridge teamed with the enthusiastic Wimbledon singles champion to breeze through the first set in 29 minutes.

The Indians found their rhythm however to force a tie-break in the second before Uppal double-faulted to give the Australians the set in 44 minutes.

Australia made a brisk start to the third set, taking a 2-0 lead as Uppal dropped serve when Woodbridge produced a blazing cross-court forehand winner.

Uppal missed a smash on break point to drop serve again as Australia took a 5-1 advantage in the third set before Hewitt served it out in just 21 minutes.

Hewitt and Wayne Arthurs won the opening singles matches on Friday. The reverse singles in the now dead rubber will be played on Sunday.

India's top player, U.S. Open doubles champion Mahesh Bhupathi, pulled out of the tie with a shoulder injury.

Images of the match

Earlier report:
Day 1: Davis Cup: Australia take 2-0 lead over India