Maria Kirilenko, the only player in the tournament who is ranked in the Top 20, easily defeated qualifier Nika Ozegovic, 61 61. The Russian won in Barcelona in June, but didn't have such a good season on grass, falling at 's- Hertogenbosch and Wimbledon in the first round, but she is a contender here in Slovenia.
No. 2 seed Katarina Srebotnik had the same results as Kirilenko, winning her first match of the tournament to Croatian Sanda Mamic, 62 62. The 2007 and 2005 finalist here has had a solid season as runner-up at Strasburg, semifinalist at Palermo two weeks ago as well as claiming defeats against eight-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams and current No.8-ranked Anna Chakvetadze this year. Ranked No.26 the Slovenian is another strong contender in her home country.
No. 8 seed Sara Errani also went through to the second round, beating Maria Elena Camerin in a tight three-setter. Errani lost the first set, but came back and lost only three games in the second and third set, 67(4) 62 61. Errani had a great time in Palermo two weeks ago, winning the title to Mariya Koryttseva.
New Zealand's No. 6 seed Marina Erakovic didn't make her country proud, after she lost in three sets to France's Camille Pin, 75 57 63. Pin has been playing her best game recently, reaching the third round at Birmingham and the second round 's- Hertogenbosch.
Other players to make it through to the second round on Tuesday were Mara Santangelo, wildcard Karolina Sprem, Julia Goerges, Roberta Vinci and qualifier Elena Bovina.
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