An under-strength Australian line-up are on the brink of an upset Davis Cup loss to Ecuador after Rinky Hijikata and James Duckworth both suffered tight three-set losses on day one of the qualifying tie in Quito.
Conditions favoured the host nation on clay at high-altitude on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) and they took full advantage in the opening two singles matches.
Alvaro Guillen Meza edged Hijikata 6-4 1-6 6-4 in the first match and then Andres Andrade came from a set down to beat Duckworth 3-6 6-3 7-5 in a contest where a heavy downpour caused a long break in play during the deciding set.