Shahar Peer's preparations for the Australian Open were dealt a blow when she was beaten in her first outing of the year.

Peer, who is ranked 74 in the world, was defeated by 18-year-old Ukrainian Jewish player Elina Svitolina (131) at the Chennai Open in India.

There was better news for compatriot Dudi Sela (109) who beat Rajeev Ram (132) in the men’s singles.

Jesse Levine of America was beaten in straight sets by Alejandro Falla in the first round of the Brisbane Open.