PARIS (Agencies) - Sixth-seeded Andrea Petkovic of Germany overcame problems on her serve to beat countrywoman Angelique Kerber 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 in the first round of the Open Gaz de France on Wednesday. Petkovic faced 17 break points in the match, losing her serve five times, but won in just over two hours. She faces Kristina Kucova of Slovakia in the second round. No. 7 Yanina Wickmayer saved a break point at 4-2 down in the first set before beating Elena Vesnina of Russia 7-6 (1), 6-2. The Belgian faces Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic. Later, Australian Open champion Kim Clijsters was playing Germanys Kristina Barrois. Clijsters, the top seed, won this tournament in 2004, and must reach the semi-finals to take the No. 1 ranking from Caroline Wozniacki.