Dokic commits to Australia

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Jelena Dokic insisted she would play in Australia next year after launching her season with a win in Tokyo.

Dokic has not played in Australia since 2001 and pulled out of a planned return in January due to lack of form.

"I was very close to going to Australia this year," said the 20-year-old Serb, who defeated Cara Black on Wednesday.

"I was just not quite ready physically. I'd love to start my season there, I think it's much easier and it will be good to get some more tournaments."

Dokic, who used to represent Australia, has not played there since she lost in the first round of the Open three years ago.

Her father subsequently claimed the draw, which pitted her against Lindsay Davenport, had been rigged.

Seventh seed Dokic looked rusty during her 3-6 7-6 (7/5) 6-1 defeat of Black of Zimbabwe at the Pan Pacific Open.

She will now play Janette Husarova of Slovakia, who shocked Thailand's Tamarine Tanasugarn 7-6 (10/8) 6-3.

Defending champion Davenport brushed aside Venezuela's Maria Vento-Kabchi 6-2 6-1 in 50 minutes to reach the quarter-finals.

The second seed, chasing a fourth title in Tokyo, said she was playing without any pressure following foot surgery at the end of last season.

"We had a few more closer games than the score line showed today, but it felt pretty good," said Davenport.

"I feel more confident than last year but I have a few hurdles to overcome."

Davenport, Venus Williams, Elena Dementieva and Japan's Ai Sugiyama all received first-round byes.