New world number one Amelie Mauresmo struggled to a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Patty Schnyder in the second round of the Filderstadt Grand Prix on Thursday.
Playing her first match since capturing the top spot for the first time at the U.S. Open last month, the Frenchwoman was fully stretched as she struggled to cope with the consistency of her Swiss opponent.
Mauresmo failed to convert two break points at 1-1 and then dropped her serve in the fourth game as the left-handed Schnyder built a 5-2 lead and served for the set at 5-3.
But a deep backhand from Mauresmo allowed her to break back and after holding for 5-5 she broke again for 6-5 when Schnyder netted a forehand.
Mauresmo was more positive in the second set as she moved into a 4-2 lead.
Schnyder resisted five break points in the seventh game and saved a match point at 3-5 before Mauresmo eventually served out for victory after squandering another two match points.
"I needed a little time to get into a rhythm. I haven't played since the U.S. Open, and she was much more ready," said Mauresmo, explaining her poor start.
"I made too many unforced errors at the beginning. Maybe I wanted to make the points too quick.
"I knew I was only one break down, and I'd had opportunities on her serve at the beginning so I didn't panic at all."
French Open champion Anastasia Myskina was also made to work hard against Nathalie Dechy of France, the third seed going through 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
The Russian, who lost in the Olympics semi-final to Justine Henin-Hardenne and also missed out on a bronze medal, said that disappointment had clouded the second half of her year.
"I was really nervous today," said Myskina. "After the Olympics I lost a lot of confidence.
"It was tough for me because that was my goal for the year, to play really well there, and I was really upset after I lost to Justine. But hopefully now it's in the past."
U.S. Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova overcame fellow Russian Elena Bovina 7-5 6-4, while American Lisa Raymond earned a clash with Mauresmo with a 6-7, 7-6, 6-0 victory over Italy's Silvia Farina Elia.
Raymond, who lost in qualifying but took the injured Kim Clijsters' place in the draw, was down 5-2 in the second set before saving four match points and then giving away just five points in all in the final set.
