Alexander Zverev gave Germany a big advantage after day one as they lead Hungary 2-0 in their Davis Cup qualifier.
The world number three served 11 aces as he pummelled Petr Nagy 6-2 6-2 to give the hosts a 2-0 lead over Hungary.
This was after Philipp Kohlschreiber survived a tough test from Zsombor Piros after beating the world number 368 6-7(6) 7-5 6-4.
In other Davis Cup qualifiers Austria levelled their tie with Chile in Salzburg after Dennis Novak stunned world number 90 Christian Garin in straight sets.
Even though he is against the new Davis Cup reforms Zverev still decided to represent Germany this weekend as he cruised past the world number 819.
Four breaks of serve were enough for the ATP Finals champion as he gave Germany a 2-0 lead in Frankfurt. Despite the win it hasn’t changed the German’s mind as he plans on skipping the Davis Cup Finals.
However it was far from comfortable for Zverev’s compatriot as Philipp Kohlschreiber as he edged past former Grand Slam juniors champion Zsombor Piros in 2 hours and 39 minutes.
The Hungarian edged a tight first set tiebreak and was two points away from sealing a historic opening rubber for the visitors.
But Kohlschreiber used his experience to win three games in a row to level the match and eventually seal a tight first rubber for the Germans.
Tim Puetz and Jan-Lennard Struff will look to seal Germany’s place in the Davis Cup Finals with a win in the doubles as Hungary need to win all three rubbers tomorrow to make November’s finale.
Dennis Novak Keeps Austrian Hopes Alive As Czechs Survive
In Salzburg world number 154 Dennis Novak kept Austria’s hopes alive after beating Christian Garin 6-4 6-4 in the second rubber.
The hosts are without Dominic Thiem but had a right to be confident considering they beat Russia last year without him too.
Four breaks of serve was enough as Novak edged past his higher ranked opponent to keep the hosts alive after Nicolas Jarry won the opening rubber for the South Americans.
An exciting Day two awaits with the Austrians favourites for the doubles as they boast grand slam champion Oliver Marach.
Meanwhile Czech Republic survived a Dutch attack in Ostrava to enter day two level with the Netherlands. Jiri Vesely started things off by surviving world number 196 Tallon Griekspoor 5-7 6-4 6-4 in a nerve-wracking tie.
The visitors did earn their reward in rubber two as Robin Haase cruised past Lukas Rosol with another intriguing day awaiting in the Czech Republic.
Here are the scores after day one from 10 of the completed 12 Davis Cup qualifiers after day one:
Uzbekistan 0-2 Serbia
Australia 2-0 Bosnia
India 0-2 Italy
Germany 2-0 Hungary
Switzerland 0-2 Russia
Kazakhstan 2-0 Portugal
Czech Republic 1-1 Netherlands
Austria 1-1 Chile
China 1-1 Japan
