Whiley, who made history in September when she became the first British player to win all four Grand Slam titles in a single calendar year, added to her outstanding year with the 6-2, 6-3 victory to signal her intentions at the tournament.

"I still haven't made the semis yet so I'll be coming out tomorrow fighting, I still need another win at least so that's my challenge now," she said.

There was, however, disappointment for Whiley's compatriots Andy Lapthorne and Gordon Reid, who both lost their opening Group matches.

Whiley's fellow Brits Andy Lapthorne and Gordon Reid did not fare so well, both losing their opening Group matches but both remained optimistic about their chances for the rest of the week.

Quad player Lapthorne lost 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 to Australian Dylan Alcott, while Reid, who successfully defended his Nottingham Indoor Wheelchair Tennis singles title just days ago, suffered a 5-7, 7-5, 7-5 defeat at the hands of Belgian Joachim Gérard.

"It was a really tough match today," Reid said.

"I think Joachim served really well and these courts really suit his style of play so it was tough for me to be aggressive, which is how I want to play.

"I beat him last week in Nottingham on a slow court but these courts are much faster, but I had my chances and didn't take them do I've only got myself to blame.

"The next two matches are both going to be tough."

Paralympic champion Shingo Kunieda defeated Dutchman Maikel Scheffers in their Group A match ©NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters


Elsewhere, London 2012 Paralympics quad silver medallist David Wagner of the United States defeated South African Lucas Sithole 6-1, 6-1, while men's singles Paralympic champion Shingo Kunieda of Japan overcame Dutchman Maikel Scheffers 6-1, 6-3 in their Group A match.

There was victory for another Japanese player in the form of Takashi Sanada, who defeated Gustavo Fernandez of Argentina 7-5, 7-5, while an all-French game in Group B saw Nicolas Peifer topping his compatriot Stéphane Houdet 6-4, 6-3.

The Netherlands dominated the other women's games of the day, with Jiske Griffioen defeating her fellow Dutchwoman Marjolein Buis 6-3, 6-1 and Aniek Van Koot overcoming South Africa's Kgothatso Montjane 4-6, 6-1, 6-1.

There was also a victory for German Sabine Ellerbrock, who defeated Sharon Walraven of The Netherlands 7-5, 6-1.

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