Mauresmo makes progress in Dubai

But Mauresmo, 28, who had threatened to quit tennis if her recent poor results did not improve, had to fight to beat the Spanish qualifier 7-6 (7-5) 6-2.

Elsewhere, Anna Chakvetadze saw off in-form Polish teenager Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2 2-6 6-4 to progress.

And Francesca Schiavone beat seventh seed Marion Bartoli 6-1 6-7 (7-5) 6-1.

Chakvetadze's win was her first since she won the Paris Indoors title at the start of February.

606: DEBATE
"Amelie is going through a tough time, that is all. If she retired that would be a huge amount of talent going to waste!"
Chakvetadzex

The Russian world number six, who plays compatriot Dinara Safina next, said: "I knew I had a tough opponent in Agnieszka here.

"She played really well, but I should have won in two sets because I let go many chances to break her in the second.

"But I am happy to have played a tough opening round. I am already feeling a lot better about my game."

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