Zverev assured the win by dominating Thiago Monteiro 6-4, 6-4 after Siegemund began with a 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 victory over Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Germany face the Chinese on Monday with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals.
The one-two singles punch left Germany in an unfamiliar position at the tournament it won last year.
“This is the first time we’ve ever been up 2-0,” Zverev said. “Last year, I played deciding (mixed doubles) matches every time.
“It’s nice to have this (tie) in the bag. I’m very happy to be playing for Germany again.”
‘Really good’ Paolini
Italy’s Paolini had a sensational 2024, finishing runner-up at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and she carried that form into her first match of the new season.
Bencic, herself a one-time world number four, is on the comeback after having a baby and was completely outclassed.
“I played a really good match. Today everything worked really well,” said Paolini.
“I was serving and returning well, and I think that was the key.”
Her teammate Flavio Cobolli had earlier defeated Dominic Stricker 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) to give Italy a 1-0 lead.
Ruud, the highest-ranked Norwegian in history, was put through his paces over nearly three hours before downing Machac 7-6 (8/6), 5-7, 6-4.
His win levelled the tie 1-1 after Karolina Muchova got the Czechs off to a flying start with a 6-2, 6-2 romp over Malene Helgo.
Machac and Muchova teamed up in the deciding mixed doubles to beat Viktor Durasovic and Ulrikke Eikeri 6-4, 6-4 with Ruud opting out after needing treatment on his left quad during the singles.
“You kind of hope that it won’t be that tough, but what a way to start the new season,” said Ruud, who banked 2024 tournament wins at Geneva and Barcelona.
“If every match is going to be this tough, it’s going to be a tough (season),” he added.
© 2024 AFP
