Old pro Nikolay Davydenko, a former top five threat, schooled Ukrainian young gun Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-1 6-1 to get off to a rollicking start at the Cincinnati Tennis Masters.
In another men's match before light rain arrived as forecast, Italian Andreas Seppi beat Dutchman Robin Haase 6-4 6-4.
In the women's draw world number 13 Ana Ivanovic was forced to withdraw with a foot injury.
The Serbian former number one will hopefully be fit after five days of rest and can begin final preparations for the US Open starting in a fortnight.
German Mona Barthel hammered Spaniard Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 6-0 6-4, while German number 25 Julia Goerges defeated Israeli Shahar Peer 6-3 6-3.
Swede Johanna Larsson beat Australia's Casey Dellacqua 6-1 6-3.
Olympic double gold medallist Serena Williams, the tournament second seed behind world number three Agnieszka Radwanska, wasn't on court but showed off her London medals to the crowd.