Kim Clijsters returns from injury in front of her home fans this week at the Gaz de France Stars event in Belgium.
The former world number one has been out of action for five months with a wrist injury.
"I am very eager to finally play again in competition, especially in my own country," said Clijsters.
In early matches, third seed Elena Bovina beat Caroline Maes, but ninth seed Jelena Kostanic lost to Virginia Ruano Pascual.
Denisa Chladkova saw off Arantxa Parra Santonja 6-1 6-4.
Clijsters, who is the second seed in Hasselt behind French and US Open runner-up Elena Dementieva, admitted that training has taken its toll on her.
"I am pretty tired," she told her website. "I don't manage to control the backhand completely because it is a bit stiff still.
"The wrist itself is even less flexible, even after an extended warm-up, but my service and forehand are okay."
The tournament takes place at the new 13,700-seat Ethias Arena in Hasselt, just 35km from Clijsters' hometown of Bree.
Clisters and fellow former number one Martina Hingis officially opened the venue on Sunday.
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MMIX
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