Italy’s Francesca Schiavone fought back to defeat Tatjana Malek 3-6 6-3 6-3 and level the Hopman Cup tie against Germany on Wednesday in Perth.

After winning the first three games, world No.35 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 more than 17,000 kilometres to replace the injured Andrea Petkovic.

Earlier, Tommy Haas had given Germany a 1-0 lead by beating Andreas Seppi 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (9-7).

Later on Wednesday, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic face the Australian pairing of Bernard Tomic and Ashleigh Barty.