Australian Nicole Pratt went down to local favourite Francesca Schiavone of Italy 6-2 6-3 in the first round of the Italian Open.

The No. 14 Schiavone was one of only four seeds playing on Monday.

Top-seeded Serena Williams and each of the other top-eight seeds were given first-round byes.

Tenth-seeded Italian Silvia Farina also advanced to the second round beating Barbara Schett of Austria 6-4 6-4.

Also, 17-year-old Maria Sharapova of Russia won against Ukrainian Tatiana Perebiynis 6-4 7-5.

The Florida-based Sharapova enjoyed her breakthrough season last year, winning two titles.

Despite showing signs of nerves at the beginning and end of the match, Sharapova showed off some fluent groundstrokes on the clay courts.

"I found my rhythm, and I was able to come back and to try to dictate the points," she said.

In other matches, Lisa Raymond beat Samantha Reeves 6-4 3-6 6-2 in an all-American contest and Maria Sanchez Lorenzo of Spain ousted Sandrine Testud of France 3-6 6-3 6-4.

Sanchez Lorenzo will face Williams, winner of six Grand Slam titles, in the second round.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP