Shahar Peer had an easy straight sets victory against Nuria Llagostera Vives (205) in the first round of the French Open.
Seeded 18, the Israeli took just 24 minutes to win the first set 6-1 against the Spanish qualifier. Peer met more stubborn resistance in the second set, which she eventually won 6-4 in 45 minutes.
Peer is scheduled to play another qualifier - Bethanie Mattek-Sands (125) of the US - in the second round. Assuming it goes to the formbook, Peer would go into a potential third round clash against 13th seed Marion Bartoli of France as the underdog.
Dudi Sela's poor form continued in the men’s tournament. Sela (61) was beaten in straight sets by Jurgen Melzer (27) of Austria. After losing a tough, evenly balanced first set, the Israeli was always chasing the game losing 5-7, 2-6, 4-6.
The defeat does not bode well for Israel's chances of surviving in the World Group of the Davis Cup. Sela will meet Melzer again at Tel Aviv's Nokia Arena in September when Israel plays Austria in the Davis Cup relegation play-off.
Andy Ram will partner Austria's Julian Knowle In the men’s doubles.
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