Britain, who are without world number one Sir Andy Murray due to an elbow injury, were second best on the clay courts at Kindarena and now face elimination in the best-of-five contest.

Lucas Pouille got things up and running for France with a 7-5, 7-6, 6-3 win over Britain's Kyle Edmund in men's tennis' premier team competition.

The home crowd would not see their team lose a set as Jeremy Chardy saw off Dan Evans 6-2, 6-3, 6-3.

All four quarter-finals could be over with a day to spare with three other countries also building 2-0 advantages before tomorrow's doubles clashes.

Twelve-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic gave Serbia the perfect start as he beat Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 on the hard courts at the Aleksandar Nikolic Arena in Belgrade.

Viktor Troicki made it 2-0 after he defeated Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-4, 6-3.

Australia are in command against the United States at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane after wins for Jordan Thompson and Nick Kyrgios.

Thompson beat Jack Sock on the hard courts, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6, 6-4.

Kyrgios then defeated John Isner in straight sets, 7-5, 7-6, 7-6.

Belgium completed a day of good form for host nations by building an advantage against Italy on the hard courts at Charleroi's Spiroudome.

Steve Darcis beat Paolo Lorenzi 6-7, 6-1, 6-1, 7-6 and David Goffin saw off Andreas Seppi 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.