Germany stormed back in the deciding doubles to take a victory at the Hopman Cup on Wednesday as Sabine Lisicki and Alexander Zverev defeated France 2-1.

Lisicki, the world No.32 who ended her 2015 season with a knee problem at the US Open in September, paced her compatriot to a 6-4 6-7 (8-6) 10-6 win in the deciding mixed tie.

The Germans face a third and final group match on Friday against Britain with Andy Murray and Heather Watson.

Lisicki, a former Wimbledon finalist who contributed greatly to the 31 winners her side produced in the mixed tie, was thrilled with the result after losing her singles to Caroline Garcia 6-2 7-6 (7-5).

“This is just great after a four-month injury layoff,” said Lisicki.

“It really means a lot to me.

“I think my singles is improving. My match today was better than my first one, but Sasha kept us alive today.

Zverev, a former junior champion from a tennis-playing family with a big brother on the ATP Tour, began turning the tide for Germany in his singles rubber as he beat big-serving Kenny de Schepper 6-2 6-2.