In the ATP section Wayne Odesnik of the United States battled back from a set down to produce the biggest upset at the event so far ousting second seed Victor Hanescu of Romania 5-7, 7-5, 6-4.

The second seeded Jankovic, who is seeking a place in the season-ending WTA championships at Doha, won 6-4, 5-7, 6-1 to record her second win over Shvedova, ranked 50th in the world, in three meetings.

"It was difficult for me to play here today as I was struggling not only my opponent but also an uncommon court," the Serb said.

"But it's normal as the first match at every event is always tough. Hope it will be more easy in the next rounds."

The rivals traded breaks throughout the opening set but Jankovic, who is currently ninth in the WTA rankings, was marginally more accurate and took a one-set lead in 37 minutes.

In the second set Moscow resident Shvedova, 21, picked up steam to level at one set all after 93 minutes on court producing two breaks, while the 24-year-old Serbian star replied on only one occasion.

But in the deciding set former world number one Jankovic put her feet back on the ground and broke twice from the start for a commanding 5-0 lead to go and win the set and the match in two hours 16 minutes.

Top seed Vera Zvonareva of Russia, who is also targeting the last remaining place in the Doha field, is also into the second round after beating Romania's Ioana Raluca Olaru 6-2, 6-2 in one hour 20 minutes.

Hanescu, currenty 31st in the ATP rankings, took the opening set in 47 minutes but his opponent refused to surrender and pulled the scores level at one set all after 90 minutes on court with a late break in the second.

The 23-year-old American, who is ranked 91st in the world, broke his rival's serve halfway into the deciding set and kept his lead through to win the set and their first ever head-to-head match in two hours 14 minutes.

"There were a lot of changes in the match," Odesnik said. "I was up a break twice in the first set but I kept fighting even if I lost it."

"I was mentally strong today and stayed with him the whole match. After I saved the match point at 4-5 on my serve in the second set, I felt he got a bit tired and down on himself and I was able to raise my game."

Another American Robby Ginepri, 92nd in the ATP rankings, saw off fourth seed Russian Igor Andreev, 2005 champion here, in a tough three-setter 6-3, 6-7 (9/11), 7-6 (7/1).