Dokic boosted by victory

Swisscom Challenge, Zurich

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Jelena Dokic gave her flagging season a boost as she beat fifth seed Chanda Rubin 6-1 5-7 6-4 on Monday.

In a scrappy match, Dokic made 40 unforced errors but still won courtesy of the American's wayward returns.

"My confidence isn't very high right now - this match is going to help," said Dokic who has plunged from fourth to 25th in the rankings inside a year.

"There wasn't any flow to my returns. The match was there for me. I just didn't put it together," said Rubin.

Dokic has been mired in a slump for months, failing to put together two consecutive wins since losing to Russian Maria Sharapova in the third round of Wimbledon in early July.

Lindsay Davenport earlier withdrew from the event because of a lingering foot injury after struggling last week in Filderstadt, where she crashed out in the second round.

Davenport, who won the title in 2001, 1998 and 1997, has returned home to California but is not expected to undergo surgery.

The American is keen to play the season-ending championships in Los Angeles in early November.

There is speculation the 27-year-old will then announce her retirement.

World number 13 Conchita Martinez suffered a first-round defeat to American qualifier Amy Frazier.

Frazier, the world number 75, came back from a set down to win 4-6 6-4 6-1.

Sixth seed Ai Sugiyama of Japan beat Spanish qualifier Magui Serna 6-3 3-6 6-1 to move into the second round.

Israel's Anna Pistolesi won Monday's opening match 6-2 7-5 against Italy's Silvia Farina Elia, and will next meet world number two Justine Henin-Hardenne.

In later matches, American Alexandra Stevenson defeated Myriam Casanova of Switzerland 3-6 7-5 6-3.

And seventh seed Vera Zvonareva edged out Meghann Shaughnessy of the United States 6-0 4-6 7-6, coming through the decisive tie-break for the loss of just three points.