British number one Cameron Norrie was beaten in straight sets by Alexander Zverev in Great Britain's ATP Cup opener with Germany after Dan Evans had got the team off to a winning start.
World number three Zverev won 7-6 (7-2) 6-1 in the pair's third meeting.
Earlier, British number two Evans breezed past Jan-Lennard Struff 6-1 6-2 to give GB an early lead in Sydney.
"I've been practising well, but I didn't expect to play the match this well," said Evans.
Zverev will return to court alongside Kevin Krawietz in the deciding doubles against Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury.