Alexander Zverev eased past Thiago Monteiro 6-4 6-4 as Germany beat Brazil for a winning start to their United Cup defence on Sunday while the Czech Republic got the better of Norway in a hard-fought match.

Elena Rybakina marks her United Cup debut by helping Kazakhstan to a 2-1 victory over Spain at the season-opening tournament in Australia.

World number six Elena Rybakina led Kazakhstan to a 2-1 defeat of Spain on Friday, as the former Wimbledon champion made a winning start to the season at the United Cup mixed-team event. Rybakina, who won three titles in her first eight tournaments last season before being sidelined by injuries and illness,

(Reuters) -Elena Rybakina guided Kazakhstan to a 2-1 victory against Spain in her United Cup debut at the RAC Arena in Perth on Friday, and Gao Xinyu stunned Beatriz Haddad Maia in China's victory over Brazil.