Wimbledon, England (AHN) - A difficult first-round match at Wimbledon nearly wiped the famous smile right off of Martina Hingis' face.

Hingis recovered from a challenging first two sets, however, to defeat 18-year-old Naomi Cavaday of Britian 6-7 (6-1), 7-5, 6-0 on court two, the site of several upsets in years past.

Hingis, the No. 9 seed, was off her game at the outset, as she had not played since the German Open about six weeks ago. Hingis is also coming off hip and back injuries.

Cavaday, ranked No. 232, took advantage with some energetic and strong play throughout the first two sets. She even held two match points in the second set, but Hingis rallied with a strong forehand winner and routed her foe in 20 minutes in the third.

In other matches completed before a rain delay hit, No. 16 seeded Shahar Peer toppled Tamarine Tanasugarn 7-5, 6-2.

Also, No. 25 Lucie Safarova defeated Zuzana Ondraskova 7-5, 6-2.

Americans had a mixed bag on the day, splitting a pair of matches. Unseeded Laura Granville won, but Ashley Harkleroad was defeated.