Seeds advance in Dubai

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:18

The 13th seed defeated Russia’s Anastasia Rodionova 6-1 6-1 in a match that lasted 54 minutes.

The other seeded player to win her first-round match was number 16 Kai Kanepi, who overcame a slow start to oust Tamira Paszek 2-6 6-2 6-0.

Sunday’s other winners were Sara Errani, Alisa Kleybanova, Sybille Bammer, Vera Dushevina, Julia Schruff, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Elena Vesnina and Tsvetana Pironkova.

The top seed in this hardcourt event is world number one Serena Williams, who received a first-round bye.

The reigning Australian Open champion withdrew from this weekend’s tournament in Paris due to a knee injury.

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By Tim Farthing

About the Author / Tim Farthing

Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.