Sloane Stephens has got her Rome Masters campaign off to a winning start by defeating Flavia Pennetta 6-3 6-3 in the first round of the competition.
The American pro started off the stronger of the two players as she was able to return with powerful shots across the court to grab a vital break of serve.
It didn't take long for Stephens to wrap up the first set and beginning the second in the same vein that gave her the lead in this opening-round clash.
Snatching a break at the first time of asking and instantly holding gave Sloane a 3-0 lead in the second set, while Pennetta struggled to cope on the clay court to launch a comeback.
The Italian player delayed the inevitable by putting three games on the board in the second set, falling at the first hurdle of the competition in her homeland.
Danielle Joynson
