Six-time Grand Slam semi-finallist Tim Henman, left, is captaining the Nice Britain staff in Sydney
Cameron Norrie and Katie Swan gave Nice Britain the proper begin to their United Cup marketing campaign as their victories contributed to a 2-0 lead over Australia in Sydney.
World quantity 14 Norrie confidently noticed off Alex de Minaur, ranked 10 locations beneath him, with a 6-3 6-3 win.
Swan broke serve in her first three return video games en path to a 6-4 6-3 win over world quantity 772 Zoe Hives.
Harriet Dart can win the tie if she beats Ajla Tomljanovic on Friday.
Dan Evans will then face Jason Kubler on Friday, forward of a doubles match wherein Evans and Dart tackle Sam Stosur and John Friends.
The inaugural mixed-team match entails six round-robin teams of three groups.
Spain will compete towards Nice Britain and Australia for an opportunity to play both america, Germany or the Czech Republic in a play-off to achieve the semi-finals.
The occasion, which is being performed throughout three cities in Australia, has pulled in some large names with Rafael Nadal lining up for Spain and world primary Iga Swiatek representing Poland, however there are additionally some high-profile absentees.
Australian primary Nick Kyrgios pulled out of the match a day earlier than its begin as he prioritised overcoming an damage forward of the Australian Open, whereas Britain’s former US Open champion Emma Raducanu has chosen to play in a WTA occasion in Auckland as a substitute.
Norrie (proper) had given Nice Britain a successful begin
Norrie, 27, mentioned the occasion gave him a high-intensity begin to the season.
“I am feeling nice,” he mentioned. “Particularly first match of the 12 months, there’s a whole lot of nerves. No harder activity than to play ‘Demon’ [Alex de Minaur] in Australia. It was not simple.
“I ran rather a lot, I completely drenched three shirts. I actually loved the ambiance – and good to get the win.”
Swan proved too constant for Hives and, after falling 3-0 down within the second set, swept again to win the subsequent six video games and the match.
“I have not performed for about two and a half months so I used to be fairly nervous popping out, however what a option to begin the 12 months,” mentioned the 23-year-old.
“Such a cool occasion. It is an amazing begin for the staff and I am wanting ahead to supporting the fellows enjoying tomorrow.”