World No. 9 Taylor Fritz fired Team United States into a 1-0 lead against Team Germany at the United Cup when he moved past World No. 12 Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-4, here.
In a dominant display on Ken Rosewall Arena, Fritz produced a strong serving performance, winning 96 per cent (26/27) of points behind his first delivery. He outmanoeuvred Zverev with his accurate ballstriking, pulling the two-time Nitto ATP Finals champion around the court throughout the 64-minute clash.
The 25-year-old raced out of the blocks, winning the first five games as he stepped inside the baseline to ruthlessly finish points. He then kept up his intensity in the second set to defeat Zverev, who was competing for just the second time since June when he tore three ligaments in his right ankle during his Roland Garros semi-final clash against Rafael Nadal.
