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Russian Nadia Petrova made the adjustment to searing tropical heat, posting a 6-3 6-1 opening win over Japan's Aiko Nakamura to reach the second round of the Bali Open.

The fourth seed, who lost in the US Open third round to the third seed here Flavia Pennetta, said it had taken her a few days to get accustomed to the weather.

"I feel confident now," said Petrova, who won in Cincinnati this year but has slumped to 21 in the world after standing third on the WTA rankings two years ago.

"I've adjusted to conditions. I felt a lot faster on court and was moving well. The first round is always tough, it's important to make a confident first step."

In contrast to Petrova's stroll, third-seeded Italian Flavia Pennetta struggled to gain the advantage over American Vania King, saving a set point before winning 7-6 6-1.

Pennetta fought off nine of 11 break points in the first set in a contest of hard-hitting baseline rallies, and after edging the tiebreak she took control against a deflated opponent.

Seventh seed Sara Errani, also of Italy, had no trouble in overcoming South African qualifier Natalie Grandin 6-2 6-1, but eighth seeded Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak was beaten 3-6 6-3 6-2 by American Jill Craybas.

Ukrainian Olga Savchuk advanced over Russia's Alla Kudryavtseva 7-5 6-2.

Kudryavtseva, who gained Wimbledon notoriety after beating Maria Sharapova in the second round and then criticising the style icon's fashion sense, appeared on the informal runway in Bali as part of a tournament promotion.

Anastasia Rodionova, fighting to be given Australian citizenship, won with her Russian passport, going through as Julia Vakulenko of Ukraine retired trailing 6-2, 3-0.

Slovak Daniela Hantuchova is the top seed at the $225,000 event, with Switzerland's Patty Schnyder number two.

Reuters & / AFP