It was hard to tell which was a bigger hit on the first day of play -- the newly-renovated Grandstand or the first players to play a match on it, American Ashley Harkleroad and Vera Douchevina.

Harkleroad defeated Douchevina, a qualifier from Russia, in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, to advance to the second round.

The renovations of the Grandstand included the removal of the Rackets restaurant and the addition of several hundred seats situated underneath the overhang of Louis Armstrong Stadium in the shade.

Ranked No. 51 in the world and coming off an impressive run at the French Open, Harkleroad had no trouble figuring out the celebrated junior qualifier.

Harkleroad won the toss and opted to receive Douchevina's serve, which she promptly broke to grab an early lead. Douchevina showed some moxie, breaking Harkleroad at 4-3 to level the match at 4-4 in the set.

The point of the match came at 5-4. Pulling a trick out of the bag, Douchevina tried a pretty backhanded drop shot that drifted just over the net. Rushing to the net, demonstrating her improved fitness, Harkleroad reached the ball before it dropped and coaxed a light volley winner. Determined to advance on this day, Harkleroad broke back to put her in position to claim the first set, 6-4.

The popping, penetrating strokes of Harkleroad opened up the second set with another break of Douchevina's serve. With another break at 2-1, Harkleroad had completely demoralized her opponent and was well on her way to the second round.

After a big fist pump drawn from a scorching forehand laser right on the line, Harkleroad took the match, 6-4, 6-2.