Germany opens United Cup title defense with win

(Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)
Defending champion Germany took a dominant first step in its United Cup defense, sweeping Brazil on Sunday in Perth, Australia.

The Brazilians, seeded 13th and winless in Group E play, were eliminated from the mixed-team event.

World No. 2 Alexander Zverev needed just 77 minutes to defeat Thiago Monteiro 6-4, 6-4. His teammate on the 11th-seeded German team, Laura Siegemund, need