In the only other first-round match on the opening day, Spain's Conchita Martinez ousted the only German player in the main draw, wild card Anna-Lena Groenefeld, 7-6 6-2.

BBC: SPORT | Tennis | Clijsters: Serena still the best

Earlier in the day, Spain's group rivals Honduras and Morocco got the men's tournament underway with a 2-2 draw. the result ensured Spain are bottom of the group after the first round of matches.

CNN: Spain suffer shock defeat to Japan

The day before, Spain's borrowing rates too had hit record highs (see article).

ECONOMIST: Italy and the euro