Germany beats France

PERTH (AP): Germany teammates Angelique Kerber and Alexander Zverev each won their singles matches over France on Wednesday at the Hopman Cup. Kerber beat Alize Cornet 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 while Zverev defeated Lucas Pouille 6-3, 6-7 (8), 6-2 to advance.

 The French pair had earlier recorded a 4-3 (4), 4-3 (3) win in doubles. Zverev had a match point in the tiebreaker but needed the third set to get the victory. ”Lucas fought well and played really well in the important moments,” Zverev said. ”He’s a very tough opponent, and I think he’s going to do well in the Australian Open.” Zverev said the mixed-team event is good preparation for Australian Open, which starts on Jan. 14. ”You want to play tough opponents, you want to play the best players before a Grand Slam,” Zverev said. ”I’ve played two very good players, and I’m happy to get those matches under my belt.”