Wayne Arthurs today buried the Davis Cup demons that have haunted him for two years as Australia took charge of the 2003 final with a doubles victory over Spain.
Playing alongside Todd Woodbridge at Rod Laver Arena, Arthurs was in commanding form as the Australians swept to a straight-sets victory in just one hour and 34 minutes.
Afterwards, Arthurs recalled the day in 2001 when he was forced to play the reverse singles because of an injury to retiring star Pat Rafter. He was beaten by Nicolas Escude in the deciding rubber of the final, handing France the title and sat inconsolable on the courtside.
It was, he admitted today, the lowest moment of his career.
"I was in tears," he recalled. I feel very fortunate to be playing in another Davis Cup final. That was the best I have played in a Davis Cup final.
"It is a different situation today, going into a 2-1 lead whereas last time I was the last rubber.
"In tennis you go through a lot of emotions. That was the lowest I have felt on a court. Today was one of the highest."