CHARLESTON, S.C., April 9 (UPI) -- Russian Vera Zvonareva was among the first-round winners Monday at the women's $1.34 million Family Circle Cup.
Zvonareva defeated Frenchwoman Nathalie Dechy 6-4, 6-4. She will play American Meilen Tu in the second round.
Marion Bartoli of France beat American Shenay Perry 5-7, 6-4, 6-1.
Also, Americans Jill Craybas, Ashley Harkleroad and Tu were first day winners. Tu beat Italian Flavia Pennetta 7-5, 6-4, Craybas beat Croatian Jelena Kostanic Tosic 7-6 (7-3), 6-2, and Harkleroad beat American Laura Granville 2-6, 7-5, 6-2.
This week's top seeds are Czech Nicole Vaidisova, Serbian Jelena Jankovic and American Serena Williams, who has won her last two tournaments. Williams' older sister Venus, the 2004 champion, also is playing in this tournament.
