Summary Schiavone defeat Tatjana Malek 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 at the Hopman Cup.
PERTH: Francesca Schiavone staged a fightback to defeat Tatjana Malek 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 and level the tie for Italy against Germany at the Hopman Cup.
After winning the first three games Schiavone lost the next eight before regaining control against a tiring opponent.
Malek had arrived in Perth from Miami just 10 hours before taking to the court after flying over 11,000 miles to replace the injured Andrea Petkovic.
Earlier, Tommy Haas had given Germany a 1-0 lead by beating Andreas Seppi 7-6 (3), 7-6 (7).
Later on Wednesday, Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic plays the Australian pairing of Bernard Tomic and Ashleigh Barty.
