Australia's Davis Cup team entered the "Twilight Zone" - and for its two biggest stars it seemed a less than pleasant experience.

As they did in 2001, the Australians have chosen a portable grass court for the final in the belief that it will suit them better than their opponents.

As was the case two years ago, the court has been laid at the Rod Laver Arena.

This time though, the Aussies are hoping a few things will be different after the tie against Spain gets underway on Friday.

The result, for one thing.

In 2001 the French, who it was also believed would be disadvantaged by playing on grass, handled the surface far better than their opponents, winning the tie in the final match after Pat Rafter had pulled out with an arm injury.

The other change is in the court itself.

While it is exactly the same turf that the 2001 final was played on, the court is now two years older and, accordingly, it is supposed to be a better quality surface than the one which was breaking apart by the third day against France.

But listening to the reactions of Australian players Lleyton Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis as they had their first hit on it, you wouldn't think so.

Had an umpire been present, both players would have been fined several times for shouting audible obscenities, although Philippoussis uttered his in Greek.

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