Intro:

Gilles Simon defeated Jan-Lennard Struff in five sets - 7-6 (7-4), 2-6, 6-7 (1-7), 6-2, 10-8 - on Friday (6th March) to put France 1-0 ahead against Germany in their Davis Cup World Group tie in Frankfurt.

Script:

In a repeat of a quarter-final meeting last year, Germany and France are going head-to-head in the Davis Cup.

The World Group first round tie is taking place in Frankfurt.

Jan-Lennard Struff made his Davis Cup debut for the host nation on Friday.

The 24 year-old was up against French world number 14 Gilles Simon in the opening singles.

Simon was pushed all the way by his younger opponent - the match lasted nearly four-and-a-half hours.

But a 7-6 (7-4), 2-6, 6-7 (1-7) 6-2, 10-8 success put the 2014 Davis Cup runners-up 1-0 ahead in the tie.

Philipp Kohlschreiber will try and draw Germany level with victory over Gael Monfils later on Friday.