For the fourth year in a row, Australia started its 2011 Davis Cup campaign in the Asia/Oceania playoffs. After receiving a first round bye, Australia played away to China in the second round, whom they defeated 3–1. Australia then advanced to the 2011 Davis Cup World Group Play-offs where they received a home tie against seeded Switzerland. Played on grass at the Royal Sydney Golf Club in Sydney, Australia, Australia led 2–1 after victories by Tomic over Wawrinka in the singles and by Hewitt and Guccione in the doubles. However, in the 1st reverse singles Tomic lost to Federer, tying the play-off at 2–2. In the decisive rubber Hewitt trailed 5–3 in the 5th set against Stanislas Wawrinka when play was suspended due to bad light. When play resumed the following morning, Hewitt was unable to hold serve as Switzerland won the tie 3–2.