Alexander Zverev won his first match of the year as Germany beat Canada 2-1 in their ATP Cup group tie.

Zverev said having his older brother, Mischa, as team captain had helped.

"All the players enjoy having him as captain and it's just great to have him here," he said.

Germany, who later lost the doubles rubber against Canada, will face Novak Djokovic's Serbia on Thursday for a place in the semi-finals.

Italy beat France 2-1 to reach the last four and they were later joined by Russia, who claimed a 2-1 win over Japan.

Fabio Fognini gave Italy an early lead with a 6-1 7-6 (7-2) win over Benoit Paire.

Matteo Berrettini, who beat US Open champion Thiem on Monday, then brushed aside Gael Monfils 6-4 6-2 to clinch victory in the tie before a French consolation win in the doubles.

"It's a great team, great guys. We are enjoying on court, but off court as well," Berrettini said.

"I think when you're playing for your country, for your team, it's something special."

Russia's Andrey Rublev, who had a dominant 2020, beat Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka in just 65 minutes.

ATP Finals champion Daniil Medvedev then backed up his team-mate with a 6-2 6-4 win over former world number four Kei Nishikori, before the Japanese won the doubles match.

The ATP Cup is one of six events being held at Melbourne Park this week to allow players to prepare for the Australian Open, which begins on 8 February.