France defeat Taiwan in Hopman Cup tie

Perth: Debutants Alize Cornet and Gilles Simon paced title favourite France to a 2-0 opening-day victory Saturday over Taiwan as the Europeans successfully shook off jet-lag.

Teenaged Cornet, who rocketed to 16th in the world last season, started the run of Gallic form as she defeated Hsieh Su-Wei 6-4, 6-4. World No. 7 Simon clinched the day over Lu Yen-Hsun 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) to produce the unbeatable scoreline.

Cornet only arrived in Western Australia the day before and said she felt the effects of the eight-hour time change from her home in Nice.

"It's a good feeling to win," she said. "I'm not really in the time zone yet - it's 3 in the morning in France. I was tired but very glad to win the match, it's a good start for us."

While the event is played indoors at the Burswood Dome, the new arrivals were still feeling the heat, with outdoor temperatures in the Aussie summer routinely approaching 40 Celsius.

"It's a bit shocking or me but it's not so hot indoors," said Cornet, soon to play in her fourth Australian Open.

The 18-year-old advanced past Hsieh on her third match point to start the tie in the best possible way.

Simon, who won four tournaments last season in a breakthrough campaign, ran off a 4-1 lead over Lu, ranked 64th, But despite leading a set and a break, the Frenchman found his concentration momentarily wandering as his Asian opponent tried to close the gap.

Lu forced a tiebreaker in the second set, which Simon won to claim victory.

"It was really, really hot and I didn't want to play a third set." said Simon, who beat each of the world top three in Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic last season, joined Cornet in pleading fatigue.

"Lu played a very good tennis today, I had to play my best also.

"I hope to remain in the same shape that I was in 2008 - maybe better. I always want to do the maximum on court and win every match.

"Nothing about that has changed for me."

The event continues on Sunday when Russia's brother-sister act of Marat Safin and Dinara Safina combine for the first time in their careers, taking on Italy with Simone Bolelli and Flavia Pennetta.