Led by top tennis player Alexander Zverev (Hamburg), German tennis professionals celebrated early wins at the ATP Cup in Melbourne. Zverev and Jan-Lennard Ströf (Warstein) ensured a 2–1 success against Canada on Wednesday with wins in their individual matches. The German selection is scheduled to reach the semi-finals against Serbia and world number one Novak Djokovic on Thursday.

The 30-year-old was 7: 6 (7: 4), 7: 6 (7: 2), after Stroff laid the foundation for a win against Canada against Milos Raonic. Zverev then decided in an equally close duel with Canadian top player Denis Shapovalov despite a set deficit. After about three hours it was 6: 7 (5: 7), 6: 3, 7: 6 (7: 4) for number seven in the world.

“It was the first game of the season, I had a lot of chances, but I couldn’t really make the most of them,” said Zverev. . The most important thing was to conquer Germany. “

At the end of the first match, the pair of Kevin Kretz (Coburg) and Struff lost to Peter Polanski and Steven Diaz 6: 7 (4: 7), 7: 6 (8: 6), 3:10. Struff replaced Croitz’s regular partner Andreas Miz (Cologne) for a short time. Serbia now awaits the second game in Group A. The defending champions won 2–1 against Canada in the beginning.

In Group C, however, Italy became the first team to qualify for the final four rounds. Fabio Fognini and Matteo Berretini ensured a 2–1 win against France with their individual victories. The Italians had previously defeated Austria (2: 1) in the Australian Open run-up.

Germany were knocked out in the group game last year, with Zverev not winning a match and winning only one set. “It wasn’t enough from my side, it has to do better this time,” the 23-year-old said in advance – and gave against Canada.