Kyrgios dominates to level Davis Cup tie

Australia have levelled the Davis Cup first round tie with Germany after Nick Kyrgios brushed aside Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets in Brisbane.

World No.14 Kyrgios - ranked 44 places higher than his opponent - overpowered the German No.2 6-4 6-4 6-4 in just over 90 minutes at Pat Rafter Arena.

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Earlier, Germany drew first blood in the best of five hardcourt tie when world No.5 Alexander Zverev dug deep to hold out plucky rookie Alex de Minaur 7-5 4-6 4-6 6-3 7-6 (7-4) in just under four hours.

Australian No.1 Kyrgios was in cruise control for much of the match, in an ominous sign for Zverev before they meet in Sunday's reverse singles.

Kyrgios was at his nonchalant best, oozing confidence after a stellar summer run which included a Brisbane International triumph last month - his first ATP tour win on home soil - and an Australian Open fourth round finish.

Australia will look to take a 2-1 lead in Saturday's doubles when Matthew Ebden and John Peers take on Peter Gojowczyk and Tim Puetz.

The winner advances to the quarterfinals from April 6-8, either hosting Great Britain or travelling to face Spain.

The losing nation will contest September's World Cup playoffs, to be drawn on April 10.

Australia - looking to end a 15-year Davis Cup title drought - have reached the World Group semi-finals twice in the past three years.

with AAP