Belgium’s Joachim Gerard begun the defence of his NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters men’s singles crown by beating Great Britain’s Alfie Hewett in straight sets ©LTA

Belgium’s Joachim Gerard begun the defence of his NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters men’s singles crown by beating Great Britain’s Alfie Hewett in straight sets at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.

The world number three triumphed 6-2, 6-1 to avenge the defeat he suffered against Hewett in the semi-finals at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

"I did what I had to do and tried to play my own game," said Gerard.

"I served well and now just want to get better and better until hopefully the last day."

Today's other match in pool one saw France’s Stephane Houdet start his bid to take the Masters title and protect his end-of-year world number one ranking with a 7-6, 6-4 victory over compatriot Nicolas Peifer.

Britain’s Gordon Reid triumphed 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 at the expense of Sweden’s Stefan Olsson in pool two.

In pool one of the women’s draw, world number one and defending champion Jiske Griffioen of The Netherlands powered to a 6-0, 6-2 win against Germany’s Sabine Ellerbrock in a repeat of last year’s final.

Joining her at the top of the standings is Japan’s Yui Kamiji, who opened her title bid with a 7-6, 6-4 victory over Britain’s Lucy Shuker.

The Netherlands' Aniek van Koot opened her campaign with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Great Britain's Jordanne Whiley ©Wheelchair Tennis/Twitter
The Netherlands' Aniek van Koot opened her campaign with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Great Britain's Jordanne Whiley ©Wheelchair Tennis/Twitter

In pool two, 19-year-old Diede de Groot of The Netherlands marked her Masters debut by comfortably defeating fellow countrywoman Marjolein Buis 6-4, 6-1.

There was also success for another Dutchwoman as 2014 champion and world number two Aniek van Koot started her campaign with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Britain’s Jordanne Whiley.

Following the match, Whiley announced her withdrawal from the tournament due to a wrist injury.

Pool one of the quad division saw the United States’ David Wagner begin his title defence by overcoming former world number one Shraga Weinberg of Israel 7-5, 6-2.

It was an all-British encounter in pool two between world number four Andy Lapthorne and Masters debutant Antony Cotterill, with the former prevailing 6-1, 6-1.

Action in London is due to continue tomorrow.