Olympic champion Belinda Bencic kicked off the Australian Open with a straight-sets 6-4 6-3 victory over Kristina Mladenovic in Melbourne on Monday.
Bencic was too powerful for her French opponent, easing through to round two in 90 minutes.
The Swiss will face American Amanda Anisimova next on Wednesday.
Other early winners on the opening day included 15th seed Elina Svitolina beating Fiona Ferro 6-1 7-6 (7-4).
Later today worked No. 1 Ash Barty opens her title bid against Ukrainian qualifier Lesia Tsurenko and defending champion Naomi Osaka plays Colombian Camila Osorio.
