Hantuchova, Mauresmo lose in Zurich Open

Zurich, Switzerland -- Slovak Daniela Hantuchova and Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo were both first-round losers Monday at the $600,000 Zurich Open in Switzerland.

Russian Maria Kirilenko defeated eighth-seeded Hantuchova 7-5, 6-2, and Belarusian Victoria Azarenka beat Mauresmo 6-2, 6-1. Hantuchova has now lost six of her last nine matches, and two-time major champion and former world No. 1 Mauresmo has lost five of her last six.

In other opening-day action, Ukrainian Alona Bondarenko beat France's Alize Cornet 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6). Bondarenko next has a second-round match against third-seeded Wimbledon champ Venus Williams.

This week's top seeds are world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic and French Open champ Ana Ivanovic, both of Serbia. Jankovic is seeking her fourth title in four events.

She won in Moscow Sunday.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.