Earlier at the A$1 million ITF mixed team competition Anastasia Myskina did enough to silence surprise package Barbora Strycova 6-3 7-6.

The victories put Russia into a semi-final shootout with the U.S. team of Lindsay Davenport and James Blake to decide who meets Australia in Saturday's final.

Safin's world ranking of 77 -- caused by missing the best part of 2003 with a wrist injury -- is in no way a reflection of his abilities.

The mighty Russian, a former world number one and grand slam champion, belongs in the most rarefied of company on the tour.

On Thursday his pedigree was laid bare for all to see as he stood toe-to-toe with the world number 13 and absorbed all the Czech could throw at him.

Whipping his forehand crosscourt for winners and pummelling backhands onto the lines, Safin slowly took command of the contest on Burswood Dome's indoor court.

His serve kept Novak guessing throughout and the Russian sealed victory with the 21st and 22nd aces.

"I was fighting well," Safin smiled. "He had chances but I would not give up… I think it was a great match."

Safin's sometimes hot-headed antics seem to be a thing of the past.

"I am trying to stay calm out there and it is working for me," he said.

The pair said they were looking forward to taking on the U.S. on Friday. "Anastasia has a great chance of beating Lindsay," Safin said. "She is playing great tennis."

Marat Safin continued to reveal his new-found maturity with a fighting victory to revive Russia's chances of making Saturday's Hopman Cup final.

The former world No.1 was able to shake off determined Czech Jiri Novak 6-7 (7-4) 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 in just over two hours in arguably the match of the tournament.

The Muscovite, who has seen his world ranking slip to 77 after an injury-plagued 2003, said he had surprised himself with his early form this year.

Russia's win over the Czech Republic means Safin and compatriot Anastasia Myskina cannot afford to drop a step against the United States (Lindsay Davenport/James Blake) on Friday if they are to meet Australia in the final.

Safin was thoroughly tested by Novak but managed to hold his nerve in the second set tie break and prove he should do some damage at the upcoming Australian Open in Melbourne.

The 2000 US Open champion completed the match in emphatic fashion by winning the last four points after looking a little edgy at 15-40 down on his own serve in the ninth game of the third set.

Earlier this week he promised he would improve his attitude after earning a reputation for partying and on-court tantrums.

The powerful all-court player jokingly thanked his on-court interviewer after commenting positively on his calm demeanour in a post-match interview.

"Thanks, that is a compliment, it is working for me because it helps me stay in the match," he said at the Burswood Dome.

Safin said he felt confident in his game even during the tight stages of the match. "It was tough, I was not scared because I was playing really well and this match was a very important match for me," he said.

"The second match of the year, I am feeling great and fighting and running and doing everything as well to beat him."

Safin comfortably disposed of his French nemesis Fabrice Santoro 6-3 6-3 in his opening singles match of the year at the mixed teams event.

He will fly to the Victorian capital next week and has already booked courts at Melbourne Park for his build-up to the Open starting January 19.

The big man on Wednesday felt a few niggles in his troublesome wrist, which wrecked his 2003 campaign, but said it was fine on Thursday.