Dubai, UAE - Jelena Jankovic got on and off court in efficient style Tuesday, reaching the third round of the Barclays Championships over unconventional Romanian Monica Niculescu 6-3, 6-2.

The Serb third seed, a finalist in 2005, needed a fast adjustment from indoor play in wintery Paris to the mid-20s Celsius of the Gulf.

Niculesco, ranked 48th, strikes the ball double-fisted off both wings in a style similar to that of Frenchman Fabrice Santoro.

Jankovic, who had a bye in the opening round, said her opponent presented problems but nothing that the former number one could not solve.

"She's an unusual player with a lot of slice and drop shots. You always have to expect anything. I had played her once at the French Open, so I had an idea of her style.

"I was so glad to win in two sets and get off the court as soon as possible. I served just well enough to hold, so I need to improve that part of my game and make it work for me."

Jankovic lost the number one ranking at the Australian Open as Serena Williams took over the top spot.

The Serb only arrived on Monday from Paris, where she lost a semi-final to eventual champion Amelie Mauresmo.

"I played indoor last week in winter," said Jankovic. "I had to play at noon with the sun very bright. It was difficult conditions, I'm glad I got the job done quickly."

The top six seeds led by Williams were all due on court on a busy day at a tournament facing a future crisis after a UAE government decision to deny a visa to Israeli number 45 Shahar Peer sparked a firestorm of international controversy.

Reports are circulating that the future of the event on the WTA is in serious doubt. The ATP may face a similar situation next week at the event if a pair of Israeli doubles players are also denied entry to the moderate Arab emirate.

On court, Russian fifth seed Vera Zvonareva advanced over compatriot Vera Dushevina 6-0, 6-3 while French 10th seed Alize Cornet won her second match in as many days with a defeat of German Julia Schruff 6-1, 6-2. (dpa)