(Reuters) - Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber was given a hero's welcome as she marked her return to her homeland with a victory that drew Germany level at 1-1 with Switzerland in the first round of the Fed Cup on Saturday.
Seven days after Kerber tamed Serena Williams in the Melbourne Park final, the world number two showed barely any signs of fatigue as she eased past Timea Bacsinszky 6-1 6-3 to the delight of the home fans.
The tie in Leipzig was one of three world group showdowns to end level on 1-1 on day one of the competition, while 2015 runners-up Russia will have plenty to do on Sunday if they are to progress any further in the women's team competition as they trail the Netherlands 2-0.