Alex Bogdanovic, the British No 2, failed to live up to a promising start as Austria's Jurgen Melzer won the opening Davis Cup rubber 3-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 6-1.

Bogdanovic, the world No 161, took the first set and had two break points for a 5-1 lead in the second but failed to convert them and it proved costly as he was eventually overwhelmed by Melzer.

Imbued by a new-found confidence, Melzer then broke Bogdanovic back, snatched the second set on a tie-break and stormed to victory.

Bogdanovic has never quite fulfilled the potential so many believe he has but, for a long time today, it looked as if he was set to make a major breakthrough.

The two players are separated by over 100 places in the world rankings but it was Bogdanovic, the Belgrade-born Briton, who was calling the early shots.

Never before had he won a set in five previous live Davis Cup rubbers and his record as a wildcard at Wimbledon was seven appearances, seven defeats.

But he rattled Melzer with a series of emphatic passing shots and trademark backhands to win seven straight games, claim the opening set 6-3 and move a break up in the second.

After saving five break points in his first service game, Bogdanovic grew in confidence and matched Melzer from the baseline.

The Austrian became frustrated, his tennis grew increasingly wild and he threw his racket in frustration as Bogdanovic moved 3-0 up in the second set.

Crunch time came when Bogdanovic earned two more break points with the score at 4-1. Melzer had to respond or the second set was virtually gone - and he did, holding his serve to enforce a vital change of momentum.

Melzer's body language was suddenly more positive. He found some accuracy in a previously untrustworthy forehand and won the break back.

Melzer went on to win the set and that momentum carried him to victory. He broke Bogdanovic three times in the third set and the fourth was little more than a formality.