"I had only one practice on clay before my first round match," said Azarenka. "But I was very pleased with how I adjusted - being a little more patient on the clay. I am very happy and am looking forward to the next match." 

In other matches of the day, former no 1 Dinara Safina of Russia defeated fifth-seeded Tsvetana Pironkova 6-3, 6-4, while second seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova overcame first set deficit to beat Agnes Szavay 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-2.

"I am very happy. I think it's the first time in a while that I have won two matches in successive days," said Safina. "However, I could have won both sets a little easier than I did and made it a little tougher on myself by making some stupid mistakes."

Also sixth-seeded Klara Zakopalova edged past Lourdes Dominguez Lino 7-6 (3), 1-6, 7-6 (0), and eight seeded Sara Errani knocked out Kristina Barrois 6-1, 6-2.