If Tsonga prevails the tie will hinge on the final match which sees Ryan Harrison play Gilles Simon.

CNN: Bryan brothers give U.S. edge in Davis Cup quarters

France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga gave the hosts the initiative with a four-set 7-5 6-2 2-6 6-2 win over Ryan Harrison in the opening rubber.

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Another American to exit in the second round was promising youngster Ryan Harrison, who was swept aside by defending champion and No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic .

CNN: Luckless Brian Baker suffers fresh injury woe in Melbourne