Stefanos Tsitsipas withdrew from his ATP Cup singles match because of an elbow issue but returned to play in Greece’s opening doubles win.
The world number four, 23, was replaced by Aristotelis Thanos to face Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, who won 6-1 6-2.
But he partnered Michail Pervolarakis to a 6-4 5-7 10-8 win in the doubles.
Tsitsipas said his withdrawal from the singles was a “precautionary step” before the Australian Open, which starts on 17 January.
Last season, he was forced to withdraw from the year-ending ATP Finals because of the elbow injury, which later required surgery.
“I’m truly relieved that I’m able to feel normal again after years and years of suffering. The concern was kind of something that I expected, but it’s not serious. I’m just trying to protect it,” he said.
“I’ve been using some muscles that I haven’t been able to use before and it takes a little bit of time to get into the rhythm and get to the level I want to.
“If I’m not able to perform at 100%, for me there’s no reason for me to go out there and play.”
Poland won the tie 2-1 as the ATP Cup – and the 2022 season – got under way on Saturday in Sydney.
Elsewhere, Spain beat Chile 3-0 with both Roberto Bautista Agut and Pablo Carreno Busta winning their singles ties.
Serbia – without world number one Novak Djokovic – defeated Norway 2-1 while Diego Schwartzman clinched victory for Argentina as they beat Georgia 3-0.
