German tennis team send ill Zverev home

Germany's Mischa Zverev is out of Australia's Davis Cup first round tie in Brisbane after succumbing to the illness that earned him a record Australian Open fine.

Team captain Michael Kohlmann said Zverev tried desperately to prove his fitness for the hardcourt tie against a Nick Kyrgios-led Australia at Pat Rafter Arena starting on Friday.

However, the world No.53 could not shrug off the viral infection that sabotaged his Australian Open campaign and resulted in a huge penalty.

Left-handed veteran Zverev cited illness upon his Australian Open first round withdrawal but was hit with a record $56,165 fine for unprofessional display.

"I am feeling bad for him. He was trying everything to be here but in the end it didn't make sense," Kohlmann said.

"He spent time in Melbourne still feeling bad on the weekend so we decided he will go home and try and get healthy again."

Kohlmann hinted Zverev may appeal his Australian Open fine.

"The fine is a pretty big one. It's tough for him to take," he said.

"Maybe there is an appeal ongoing as well so we will see what comes out in the end.

"I just hope he is fit again soon and able to play again."

The German team will be spearheaded by Zverev's younger brother, world No.5 Alexander Zverev.

The draw for the first round tie will be held on Thursday.

Australia lead 4-3 in head-to-head Cup clashes but Germany won the last tie 3-2, a 2012 World Group playoff in Hamburg.