France's Gilles Simon recovered from facing match point to usurp Stanislas Wawrinka in the opening round of the Kooyong Classic.
Simon appeared to be heading for defeat after losing the first set at the eight-man invitational hard-court tournament in Melbourne, but recovered to claim a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 triumph.
Wawrinka had the opportunity to claim a straight-sets win, but was unable to convert the chance, and 40 unforced errors contributed to a disappointing defeat.
Speaking after the win over the 2009 runner-up, Simon said: "It was a good win, it's always difficult to play [Wawrinka]. He doesn't give much rhythm and you never know what to expect.
"It's good to be playing this kind of tennis with the Grand Slam coming."
Fellow Frenchman Richard Gasquet fended off a second-set scare to defeat home-favorite Jordan Thompson 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4).
Thompson's effort was even more commendable considering he was a late replacement for Lleyton Hewitt who withdrew following his victory at the Brisbane International, citing fatigue as the reason for his withdrawal.
World number seven Tomas Berdych continued his preparations for the Australian Open by defeating 2010 champion Fernando Verdasco 7-5, 6-2.
The Czech made a sluggish start and was trailing 5-2 in the first set before mounting a comeback.
"I need as many matches as possible in these fast conditions before the Australian Open," Berdych said. "I have improvements to make to my game, but they won't be dramatic, just little by little."
Elsewhere, Kei Nishikori responded from a disappointing semi-final exit to Hewitt in Brisbane last week by defeating Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 7-6 (7-5), 6-4.