Germany got their Hopman Cup efforts off to a winning start with victory over Belgium in Perth on Monday.

Angelique Kerber got the first rubber with a hard fought 7-6(6) 7-6(1) win against Belgium’s Elise Mertens.

Her compatriot Alexander Zverev was unable to do the same.

David Goffin made a promising start to the year, dispatching the world number four 6-6, 6-3.

Zverev recovered from defeat to combine with Kerber to prevail in the doubles 4-2 4-3(2).