Germany picked up their first Davis Cup victory over France since 1938 when Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz won the decisive double in a tiebreaker in Hamburg on Wednesday.
The pair beat Nicolas Mahut and Arthur Rinderknech 6-2 3-6 7-6(1) to secure a 2-1 win in their Group C opener. Australia beat Belgium 3- 0 in the other match of the group.
Two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the Round of 16 in Malaga from November 22-27.
Germany had lost their previous eight meetings against France and captain Michael Kohlmann was happy to write “positive history” after his first win against them in 84 years.
“Today was like a roller coaster, but in the end it’s a big win. It’s huge for us,” he added.
“I’ve had this question so many times about how many years have passed since Germany beat France. I know the numbers and the years were getting longer and longer.
“But now we can close this chapter and look to the future.”
As world number five Alexander Zverev pulled out at the last minute through injury, Jan-Lennard Struff gave Germany a 1-0 lead in the first single by beating Benjamin Bonzi 6-4 2-6 7-5.
But Frenchman Adrian Mannarino equalized with a 6-4 6-3 win over Oscar Otte.
Krawietz and Puetz then kept their cool in the deciding doubles in front of the home crowd.
“Our experience together helps,” Puetz said. “We’ve played quite a few matches together now, including the Olympics, and we’re good friends off the pitch, which always helps.
“On top of that, we’re two of the best doubles players in the world – we both know that – and that gives us great confidence on top of the wins we’ve had together.”