Perth, Australia - Simone Bolelli scored a breakthrough victory over world number seven Gilles Simon 6-3, 6-3 to draw his nation level with hot favourite France at the Hopman Cup on Tuesday. The Italians went in with nothing to lose and the tie at first looked like going with the form guide as French number one Alize Cornet dominated Flavia Pennetta 7-5, 6-2.
But that was before the 38th-ranked Bolelli found a seam of form to dominate Simon, winner of three events during a tearaway 2008 season with victories over Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Bolelli played what he called the match of his career to salvage the tie after Italy went down to Russia on Sunday.
"I finally won against a Top Ten player, it's the first time," said the delighted Italian. "I played well, served very good and played aggressive.
"I missed a few balls but it was almost perfect for me."
Simon was well off his game, striking 22 unforced errors as his opponent broke him four times on six occasions.
"After winning the first set, I had confidence," said Bolelli. "I played good tactics. I know that I have the game to play well against top guys.
"Winning or losing is another thing, but the important thing is to try your best on court. If I could finally win a tournament in 2009, that would be great. I'm very confident after today."
The tie will go down to a deciding mixed doubles, with Bolelli and Pennetta combining for only the second time.
Cornet had some trouble breathing in the first set, but the 19-year-old laughed it off, saying she was still adjusting to the Australian summer heat after arriving from winter in France.
"I was feeling my breathing the whole match, sometimes I forget to breath properly," she said, "But it's completely normal, don't worry."
Cornet fired five aces, with Pennetta felled by 34 unforced errors.
"I felt great on the court today, better than in our first match," said the 15th-ranked winner, who had lost two previous matches to the Italian. I'm happy to finally beat her.
"I tried to play aggressive even if I made some mistakes at the net. I had to play good tennis to win today, I have confidence for the rest of the event."
In the night tie, Australia were facing the Slovak Republic with the host nation needing a victory to have any outside chance of reaching the Friday final after a 2-1 defeat on Monday against Germany.
