Hingis in cruise control

Top-seed Martina Hingis cruised to victory over Russia's Tatiana Panova in the first round of the Italian Open.

Hingis swept Panova off Foro Italico's red clay in less than an hour, winning 6-2 6-3.

The Swiss star hopes to be ready for a crack at a title in Paris, where she's reached - and lost - two finals.

"I have as much chance now as I've ever had to win the French Open," she said after her win. "I feel more confident."