Gasquet first match winner of 2009

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:11

Gasquet capitalised on five of 18 break-point chances, ending the match after two hours, and 12 minutes.

The Frenchman will face American Taylor Dent in the second round. Dent defeated Steve Darcis 7-6 (7/0) 6-2.

Fourth-seeded Robin Soderling and Julien Benneteau also advanced in the opening matches at the hardcourt event.

Soderling, who will face Benneteau in the next round, posted a 6-3 6-3 victory over Sam Querrey. Benneteau overcame Robby Ginepri 3-6 6-3 7-5.

The top seed in the tournament is the 2008 Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, while Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is seeded second.

In the women’s event, Kaia Kanepi was the lone seeded player to fall.

Russia’s Alisa Kleybanova provided the upset, making short work of sixth-seeded Kanepi 6-1 6-4.

Number two seed Victoria Azarenka and third-seeded Marion Bartoli had no such troubles as each won their respective matches.

Azarenka posted a 6-0 6-2 triumph over Kateryna Bondarenko and Bartoli saw off qualifier Monika Wejnert 6-1 6-2.