The Argentine team of Guillermo Coria and Gisela Dulko finally broke their country's Hopman Cup duck, defeating the Italian pair of Davide Sanguinetti and Francesca Schiavone in a tightly fought opening tie at Perth's Burswood Dome.

After Schiavone gave her country a 1-0 lead by winning her single's encounter against Dulko first up, Coria levelled the tie when he outgunned Sanguinetti 6-1 7-6.

When the Argentine doubles team of men's world No.7 and the women's world No.33 closed out their 7-5 6-0 victory to clinch the tie, they achieved something an Argentine team had failed to do in two previous appearances at the annual mixed event.

Despite being seeded fourth for the tournament, Coria's lack of experience playing with a partner - he had never competed in a mixed double's match before this - could have been a factor.

But Dulko made up for any inexperience with a great display, returning Sanguinetti's serve with interest and complimenting Coria's energy superbly.

In a fluctuating first set, both teams traded breaks, with Dulko twice holding her serve under pressure, while her female opponent struggled with her timing.

And it was Schiavone who finally cracked while serving to take the set into a tie break, being broken to 30 thus losing the set 7-5.

With the first set went any remaining Italian resistance, going down 6-0 in the second in 21 minutes, and giving Argentina a good chance of reaching Saturday's final.

Following the win, Dulko said nerves and early season cobwebs were dispelled during her single's defeat, setting her up for a great double's display.

"I am lucky because in doubles I play much better so I am really happy. It was tough to return (Sanguinetti's) serve but I was good today," Dulko said.

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