Britons Anne Keothavong and Katie O'Brien have advanced to the second round of the Grand Prix De Sar La Princesse Lalla Meryem.
First-round wins for Britons in Fes
Britons Anne Keothavong and Katie O'Brien advanced to the second round of the Grand Prix De Sar La Princesse Lalla Meryem on Tuesday.
British number three Keothavong battled back from a second-set whitewash to overcome French opponent Julie Coin 6-3 0-6 6-4 at the WTA tour event in Fes.
Keothavong, ranked 111th in the world, is looking to break back into the top 100 after being sidelined with a serious knee injury for more than six months.
Coin, world number 79, got an early break but Keothavong won five consecutive games to take the first set.
The Frenchwoman turned things around in the second, racing through without losing a game, and looked on the edge of victory when she stormed to a 4-2 lead in the decider.
But Keothavong rallied by reeling off four straight games to wrap up her triumph and book a spot in the next round.
Victory
British number two O'Brien is also through to the second round after a three-set victory over another French player, Pauline Parmentier.
O'Brien - ranked 110 in the world - dominated the first set but was edged out in the second, before fighting back to triumph 6-2 4-6 6-3.
In the next round O'Brien will face Czech Renata Voracova, while Keothavong will meet top seed Carla Suarez Navarro.
"I was really pleased to come through my first match of the year on clay, especially as I haven't had ideal preparation," said O'Brien.
"I only started hitting on the clay a few days ago, as I was stranded in South Africa for six days where there weren't any clay courts. I had to take five flights over two days to get to Fes, but I've recovered well, all considered.
"I think I have actually benefited from a few weeks at altitude in Johannesburg, as it has boosted my fitness enabling me to hang in the tough points on clay.
"The conditions were hot and blustery today, but I handled them well.
"I was particularly pleased with the way I served. I'm now looking forward to tomorrow's match against Renata Voracova. I lost to her last year in three sets on the clay, so I'm aiming to get my revenge."
