Dani Wins Pattaya Opener

Daniela picked up right where she left off in Pattaya City last year on Tuesday afternoon, crushing Thailand's Nungnadda Wannasuk in 61 minutes in the first round match of her title defense, 62 60.

Having won her fourth WTA title at this tournament a year ago and coming into this year's event as the No.3 seed, Daniela put on an impressive serving display in her opening match, never facing a break point and breaking the 22-year-old Bangkok native's serve a total of five times. Daniela also returned well, winning 57% of the points on Wannasuk's serve.

A week ago Daniela returned to the Top 20 for the first time since 2008 and now she improves to 10-3 on the season, her only three losses coming to some very in-form players - Kaia Kanepi, Petra Kvitova and Kim Clijsters.

Daniela will next face Urszula Radwanska in the second round Thursday.