"I've been playing really well the whole summer and it's very satisfying to start a tournament like this," the unseeded Slovak told reporters.

Although the score suggests the first set was close, Hantuchova always held the upper hand and conceded only five points on serve.

"I missed a few opportunities early in the first set but I just kept going for my shots and tried to stay calm and believe in what I was doing," said Hantuchova.

"She serves hard but I felt I was in control and it was just a matter of time."

Following the withdrawals of Maria Sharapova and Serena and Venus Williams through injury, champion Lindsay Davenport is top seed here.

Kim Clijsters is seeded second and seeking a return to number one in the world after winning her last four tournaments.

Amelie Mauresmo is the third seed with Justine Henin-Hardenne at four.