Naomi Broady sets up clash with Ana Ivanovic in Auckland

British No 3 Naomi Broady made a strong start to her 2016 season as she qualified for the ASB Classic in Auckland.

The 25-year-old beat the qualifying top seed Magdalena Rybarikova 6-3 1-6 7-6 (8-6) to earn her place in the main draw.

Broady, ranked 122 in the world, will face former world No 1 Ana Ivanovic in the first round on Tuesday.

Two-time Grand Slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova had an easy first-round win when German opponent Mona Barthel retired early in the second set.

Kuznetsova, the fourth seed, headlined the opening day with the top three seeds - Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki and Ivanovic - not playing until Tuesday.

The Russian was rarely troubled in her brief appearance and was ahead 6-2 1-1 when Barthel withdrew with a stomach complaint.

Despite only a short time on court, the 30-year-old former world No 2 was satisfied with the way she played, particularly holding serve in the blustery conditions.

"You don't try to play your best in these conditions, it's very hard," she said.

"It was important to keep my serve, I was some break points down and it was tough to play with the wind."

Of the other seeds in action on the first day, No 5 Sloane Stephens of the United States had a comfortable win over Slovakian Polona Hercog 6-3 6-3, but eighth seed Alison Van Uytvanck of Belgium was beaten by Alexandra Dulgheru from Romania 1-6 6-2 6-4.