Samantha Stosur's preparation for the French Open has hit a hurdle, the Australian sent packing in the first round of the Italian Open by Russian World No.39 Anastasia Pavyluchenkova.
Stosur, who had reached the third round last week in Madrid before falling to Svetlana Kuznetsova, dropped the match to Pavyluchenkova in straight sets 6-4 7-5 in just over 90 minutes.
Pavyluchenkova now has a meeting with Serena Williams in the second round, after the World No.1 had a bye to open the tournament.
Stosur will most likely head straight to Roland Garros to get used to the courts ahead of the French Open.
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