Sweden's Robin Soderling put an indifferent start to the year behind him by beating Frenchman Florent Serra 4-6 6-4 6-1 in the first round of the World Indoor Tournament on Monday.

Soderling, the world number eight, suffered first round exits in Chennai and at the Australian Open but got off the mark with a battling display in Rotterdam.

"I hadn't played for some weeks and today I also had a bad start but I fought my way back into the match," third-seed Soderling told reporters.

"I am satisfied with the win but can and have to do much better."

Fifth seed Tommy Robredo, who also experienced a first round exit in Melbourne last month, overcame Dutch wild card Robin Haase 7-6 6-4.