Gilles Simon survives Filippo Volandri scare

Gilles Simon dropped the first set against experienced Filippo Volandri earlier today but recovered to claim a hard-fought win at the Australian Open.

Volandri broke twice in the opener and looked strong against the 14th seed, claiming the first set 6-2 to put the Frenchman in danger.

Simon regained his composure in the second to level the match quickly before piling on the pressure with an aggressive third-set attack.

Volandri wilted in the Melbourne heat and Simon took full advantage, claiming the fourth 6-2 to avoid becoming a first-round casualty.

The former world number six progressed to create a second-round clash with Canadian qualifier Jesse Levine.