New Zealand tennis player Marina Erakovic has been beaten by Frenchwoman Alize Cornet in their first round singles match at the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Cornet won the first set 7-5, Erakovic took the second in a tie-break 7-6(3) and Cornet the third 10-8 on Monday.
Both players struggled to hold serve, with Erakovic having a chance to win in straight sets.
Cornet will next play 25th seed Venus Williams of the United States in the second round.
Erakovic is also playing in the doubles competition.
