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Düsseldorf - Mardy Fish claimed his first career singles win at the World Team Cup as he beat Andrey Golubev of Kazakhstan 6-4, 6-2 on Tuesday, sending the four-time champion US into a 1-0 lead.
Fish, now playing for his second week in the ranking Top 10, lost both of his singles rubbers during his only other appearance at the Rochusclub four years ago.
The 29-year-old who now plays as the top American after good pal Andy Roddick fell from the Top 10, began turning his luck on the German clay with a doubles victory on Monday.
The eight-nation event is the last-chance tune-up for the French Open, which begins Sunday. S
In the Blue group, Florian Mayer handed Germany a 1-0 margin over Spain with his defeat of Marcel Granollers 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. The win leaves the hosts 4-0 so far this week after sweeping 2009 champion Serbia 3-0 to start the competition.
Rome quarter-finalist Mayer, who lost last week to Andy Murray, took a victory in two hours, 20 minutes on his first match point.
"It was all about the fight today," said Mayer, poised to break into the Top 20 from his new 21st ranking. "My legs were tired after Monday and I had too many easy mistakes.
"Two or three years ago I probably would have lost this match. But I've gained a lot of self-confidence recently, winning becomes a habit."
Holders Argentina got off to a winning start against Sweden, with Juan Chela beating 19-year-old Christian Lindell 6-1, 6-1.
