Perth WA, Australia, 31 December 2013 | AAP

Bernard Tomic shook off a heavy training load to keep Australia’s Hopman Cup title hopes alive.

Tomic beat Italy’s Andreas Seppi 4-6 6-3 6-2 to level the tie at 1-1 after Sam Stosur slumped to a 6-4 6-4 loss to Flavia Pennetta.

Australia, who lost to Canada 2-1 in their opening tie, need to beat Italy if they are to have any hope of reaching the final of the mixed teams event.

Tomic said he was tired after training for five hours on Monday and another two hours before his match against Seppi.

The world No.51 looked proppy in the second set, but rediscovered his mojo to seal the match in 102 minutes.

“I started slow but it was very good tennis,” Tomic said.

“Yesterday I trained a lot so I was very tired.

“We have to win the mixed doubles now. It’s very important to us.”