Australia have suffered an ignominious defeat in the Davis Cup, the 28-time champions humbled amid ecstatic scenes as Ecuador players and fans celebrated the 3-1 boilover qualifier triumph in Quito.
Lleyton Hewitt's second-string squad, without their perennial inspiration Alex de Minaur, were found wanting in what always shaped as an uncomfortable assignment on the Ecuadorian clay as the hosts took an unassailable 3-0 lead following a doubles defeat for Jordan Thompson and Rinky Hijikata on Sunday.
As the home fans erupted in delight and the victorious veteran duo of Gonzalo Escobar and Diego Hidalgo rolled around in the clay at the Quito Tennis and Golf Club, Hewitt was left contemplating the worst defeat of his reign.
