Tyson Fury has promised he would go to war for England as he praised those attempting to defend Ukraine from Russia's invasion.
The British heavyweight vowed to follow the lead of the likes of brothers Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko and Oleksandr Usyk if his homeland issues a call to arms.
WBC champion Fury said he would be "first in line" if civilians were to be conscripted.
Vitali Klitschko is mayor of Kyiv, while his brother and fellow former world heavyweight champion Wladimir has joined a territorial defense brigade. Usyk, a reigning world heavyweight champion, has also signed up, as has fellow star boxer Vasiliy Lomachenko.
Fury said in a news conference on Tuesday: "Fantastic. I'll be the first one to join up if England get involved or America. I'll be first in line for the job.
"My dad will as well, me and all the boys will be signing up to defend. So that's what I've got to say.
"If you're from that country and living there, defend it. Love your woman and fight for your country, that's what I say."
Fury puts his WBC heavyweight belt on the line against Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium on April 23.
It remains to be seen when the likes of Usyk and Lomachenko become available to resume their sporting careers
Frank Warren, Fury's co-promoter, said: "Everybody should be absolutely pulling for Ukraine, standing up to the bully, standing up for democracy.
"Those four fighters, everybody should be behind them. It's magnificent what they're doing."
Top seed Camila Giorgi was beaten in three sets by Caroline Garcia at the Lyon Open on Tuesday.
Italian Giorgi battled to take the first set but was pegged back by the home favourite before her game collapsed in a 5-7 6-4 6-0 defeat.
Dominant on serve in the opening set, Giorgi failed to take either of two break points at 3-2 up in the second set. She then won only one point in three consecutive games to allow Garcia to level.
The world number 29 earned just two points on serve in a one-sided decider as Garcia set up a last-16 clash with another Italian, Martina Trevisan.
Earlier, Russian Vera Zvonareva was comfortably beaten by seventh seed Alison van Uytvanck, who could await Garcia in the quarter-finals.
Zhang Shuai beat Kristina Mladenovic 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 to secure a match with Arantxa Rus, who defeated Danka Kovinic for the loss of just two games.
The top-ranked remaining player in the draw, world number 30 Sorana Cirstea, sealed a round-of-16 showdown with Stefanie Voegele after a comfortable 6-3 6-1 defeat of Mariam Bolkvadze.
Dillian Whyte did not attend the first news conference ahead of his bout with Tyson Fury, who insisted he "will not fail" to prove his quality.
Fury puts his WBC heavyweight belt on the line against Whyte at Wembley Stadium on April 23.
Despite the magnitude of the all-British bout, however, Whyte snubbed the chance to face the media on Tuesday.
According to reports, Whyte chose to remain at his training camp in Portugal instead.
That gave Fury free rein to speak, and he took that opportunity before capping off his appearance by facing off against Whyte's poster, in lieu of the man himself.
"I'm looking to show the people and the boxing fraternity how good I really am," said Fury, who defeated Deontay Wilder in their trilogy fight last year.
"And what better opponent to do it against than against a guy who’s been calling for it for 352 years. He finally gets his shot, on the biggest stage, against the biggest champion, on the biggest night.
"I will not fail. I'll show you how great I really am.
"I beat men like him seven days a week and 62 times on a Sunday and I'm going to prove that to you come April 23."
Whyte, who has won 28 of his 30 professional fights, comes into the clash on the back of his TKO victory over Alexander Povetkin, who defeated "The Body Snatcher" in 2020.
But Fury suggested his opponent had shown weakness by failing to attend the media gathering.
"He has definitely shown a white flag today," Fury said. "All this social media stuff, 'I'm not promoting the fight, I'm not getting involved in mind games'. He's given me that much more confidence - it's unbelievable.
"He's terrified. He's definitely showing the white flag in my estimation of this fight.
"The way he's going on about it, saying he doesn't want to go face-to-face, of course he doesn't, because he'll see that fire in my eyes and he'll think, 'I'm getting smashed to bits'.
"That's what it is, it's fear, it's terror. It's all of the above and I don't blame him for not being here today."
Major League Baseball has extended a deadline for talks with the MLB Players Association, which had been set for Monday.
MLB warned last week the 2022 season would be shortened and players would not be compensated if there was no new collective bargaining agreement by the end of February.
However, as talks continued between the league and the union into Tuesday, there was still hope such an outcome could be avoided.
"We want to exhaust every possibility to get a deal done," a league spokesperson said, with Tuesday now seen as the key day in negotiations.
Reports claim MLB has made a move towards MLBPA's demands in terms of the luxury tax threshold, minimum salary and bonus pool without yet meeting them.
Plans for further talks on Tuesday would suggest there is room for further movement as the two sides seek an end to the lockout.
Dillian Whyte labelled Anthony Joshua the number one "bull***t guy" in response to comments his rival made about his upcoming WBC heavyweight title fight against Tyson Fury.
Fury puts his belt on the line against Whyte at Wembley Stadium on April 23, while Joshua is slated for a rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the WBA Super, WBO and IBF straps.
Speaking to IFL TV, Joshua said he was rooting for long-time rival Whyte when he dons the gloves against Fury in a huge domestic showdown.
"It's a good opponent [for Fury], it's a good [title] defence against Dillian Whyte," Joshua said.
"Dillian Whyte needs to come in, look at what Tyson Fury does and reacts to, and do the complete opposite. Maybe work the body, and be conditioned to go the distance.
"I'm rooting for Dillian, even though I hate him, and I want to smash him one of these days. Go on Dillian, I'm with you all the way."
Replying on his Instagram story, Whyte seemed to be affronted by Joshua's declaration of hatred.
"Why so bitter. Number 1 bulls*** guy. @anthonyjoshua what did I ever do to you man," Whyte posted, before adding good luck to Joshua in the bout against Usyk.
In a seeming bid to defuse any simmering tensions, Joshua replied on his own Instagram story: "Hate is a strong word I respect you champ. I Just want to fight you at some point."
Joshua defeated Whyte with a seventh-round knockout when the two met back in December 2015.
Ja Morant chalked up a first ever career 50-point game for the Memphis Grizzlies and was labelled a "beautiful player" and "special kid" by San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.
It was the first time in Grizzlies franchise history a player had achieved the target, and his overall haul of 52 helped Memphis – who sit third in the Western conference – to a 118-105 triumph on Monday.
Morant's performance followed a previous career-best 46 against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, as he went 22-for-30 from the field and drained each of his four three-point attempts.
Popovich, at the age of 73, has seen plenty of the NBA's best during his illustrious coaching career and he waxed lyrical about Morant's talents.
"He's a beautiful player," Popovich said.
"What else can you say about him? It's not just that he's athletic. Everybody says 'he’s athletic'. Somebody says 'he's a freak of nature' because he's so fast. But he makes decisions. He knows what is going on on the court.
"So, you combine that cerebral part of his game with his athleticism and you've got a special kid."
There was no shortage of highlights on the reel for Morant, including him dunking over the seven-footer Jakob Poeltl and landing a buzzer-beater for a 68-58 half-time lead after catching a huge launch forward from Steven Adams in mid-air.
He also executed a sensational three-pointer from near the logo, but for Morant it was clear what the highlight of the night was.
"It's got to be the 50 [points],"he said.
"I'm thankful for my teammates, my coaches. They believe in me and have all the confidence in the world that I’ll make the right plays."
De'Anthony Melton, who scored 15 points for the Grizzlies, said of Morant: "He's at the rim every night, but the way he put it together tonight, he was just in attack mode from the jump.
"He got whatever he wanted, and it looked easy out there. It was just special to be out there and watch that."
Of Morant's leap over Poeltl, Melton added: "That dunk was crazy. The way he rose, stared at him and dunked it."
US Open runner-up Leyla Fernandez cruised into the second round of the Monterrey Open after a straight-sets win over Anna Karolina Schmiedlova on Monday.
Monterrey Open defending champion Fernandez won 6-2 6-2 over the Slovakian, with the Canadian second seed dominant in all aspects as she triumphed in one hour and eight minutes.
In the longest match of the day, fourth seed Sara Sorribes Tormo needed more than three hours to edge Kamilla Rakhimova 7-5 6-7 (2-7) 6-1.
Fifth seed Camila Osorio defeated Magdalena Frech 6-3 7-6 (8-6), while Briton Heather Watson won 6-3 2-6 7-6 (7-4) over Jule Niemeier.
Harmony Tan, Marcela Zacarias, Viktoriya Tomova and Beatriz Haddad Maia were other winners on Monday.
All-Star Ja Morant scored a career-high 52 points including a massive dunk and a buzzer-beater as the Memphis Grizzlies won 118-105 over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.
Morant's 52-point haul was the second highest of the NBA season, behind only Trae Young who scored 56 points for the Atlanta Hawks against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 3.
The 22-year-old guard went 22-of-30 from the field including four-of-four from beyond the arc. Morant also hit a ridiculous half-time buzzer-bester after Steve Adams' full-court pass, catching and shooting in one motion.
Earlier in the second quarter, Morant produced a monster one-handed dunk over Spurs center Jakob Poeltl.
Morant's half-century follows up his career-best 46 points against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. It was also the first 50-point game in Grizzlies franchise history.
Bucks bounce back with Giannis starring
Reigning champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, had dropped four of their past five games but Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way as they bounced back with a 130-106 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Antetokounmpo scored 26 points with 16 rebounds, four blocks, two steals and six assists, with Bobby Portis adding 20 points and 10 rebounds.
The Miami Heat took some ground in the race for top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 112-99 victory over the Chicago Bulls, with Tyler Herro contributing 20 points, six rebounds and five assists off the bench. DeMar DeRozan's 10-game run of 30-point games was halted, managing only 18 for the Bulls.
D'Angelo Russell's good run of scoring continued with 25 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves boosted their playoffs hopes by beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 127-22, with Karl-Anthony Towns () draining a key late three-pointer.
Short-handed Nets blown away
The Brooklyn Nets slumped to their 14th loss from their past 17 games, going down miserably 133-97 to the Toronto Raptors at home. Scottie Barnes dominated with 28 points, 16 rebounds and five steals for Toronto while the Nets, missing Kyrie Irving who is ineligible to play home games and head coach Steve Nash in protocols, had few winners
Russia and Belarus have been suspended from all International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) competitions at both national and club levels.
The IIHF announced the sanctions on Monday following an extraordinary meeting of its Council in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine last Thursday, with neighbouring Belarus effectively used as a staging post for Russian military.
The suspension prohibits Russian and Belarusian national teams and clubs from "participation in every age category and in all IIHF competitions or events until further notice".
In addition, Russia has been stripped of hosting rights for the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship.
A statement from the IIHF read in part: "These two actions have been initiated by the Council in order to enable the IIHF to ensure the safety of IIHF Championships and all participating players, officials, and fans.
"The IIHF Council has not left out the possibility of further actions impacting future events or other IIHF activities but hopes above all for a swift and peaceful resolution to the war."
"The IIHF is not a political entity and cannot influence the decisions being taken over the war in Ukraine," said IIHF President Luc Tardif.
"We nevertheless have a duty of care to all of our members and participants and must therefore do all we can to ensure that we are able to operate our events in a safe environment for all teams taking part in the IIHF World Championship program.
"We were incredibly shocked to see the images that have come out of Ukraine. I have been in close contact with members of the Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine and we hope for all Ukrainians that this conflict can be resolved in a peaceful way and without the need for further violence."
Ben Simmons will not make his debut for the Brooklyn Nets this week, though Kevin Durant is getting closer to a return from injury.
Simmons has yet to play for the Nets since this month's blockbuster trade that ended his stand-off with the Philadelphia 76ers, with James Harden going in the other direction.
During his introductory media conference, Simmons had said he hoped to be ready to make his season debut against the Sixers in Philadelphia or March 10.
That prospect appears less and less likely after Nets head coach Steve Nash revealed Simmons, who has struggled with a back issue since the Nets upped his workload in practice, is not close to being ready to play.
Speaking ahead of the Nets' clash with the Toronto Raptors on Monday, Nash said: "Ben is still working through a number of things and reconditioning so he's not gonna play this week but we'll keep working on his timeline and hopefully he can progress.
There is better news on Durant as he looks to make his return from a left knee sprain. He will not play in either of the Nets' successive games with the Raptors but could feature against the Miami Heat on Thursday or the Boston Celtics on Sunday.
"Kevin's getting close, we're hopeful that he can play this week," added Nash. "He won't play tonight or tomorrow but hopeful I guess that [his return] would be Thursday or Sunday."
The Nets are 32-29, eight games back of the Eastern Conference-leading Heat having lost seven of their last 10 games.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has called an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council to discuss a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Ben Sulayem made the announcement on his social media page on Monday.
The council will meet on Tuesday "to discuss matters relating to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine", a Twitter post read.
The FIA was awarded full recognition status by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2013. The IOC has recommended Russian and Belarusian athletes be suspended from all sports.
In Formula One, such a ban would impact Haas driver Nikita Mazepin, the only Russian driver on the grid for 2022.
The Russian Grand Prix has already been removed from the F1 calendar in the coming season.
Bryson DeChambeau described his battle with injury as "one of the hardest moments of my life" as he confirmed his withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Hand and hip injuries that forced DeChambeau to withdraw from the Saudi International this month have kept the world number 12 out of action.
And he will not make his return at the prestigious PGA Tour event at Bay Hill this week, pointing to a desire not to risk re-injury by playing again before he is 100 per cent.
Setting his sights on The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass next week, the 2020 U.S. Open champion said in a video posted on Twitter: "Man, it's a tough decision right now.
"I have a lot of work to do to get everything back into order for this week and I just feel like it's too short of time for me to get back to 100 per cent and playing at 100 per cent capacity.
"Right now, I'm like 90 per cent. I don't want to go out there and hurt myself even more, and not be 100 per cent ready for the rest of the season.
"I don't want to come back early and then have to take more time off.
"It's a hard decision I have to make right now, but I'm going to have to unfortunately not play this week.
"At this point in time, I've got to take another week off and I'm going to try and get back and play for The Players.
"Right now, I just can't risk going out there and having it reaggravate. This has been one of the hardest moments of my life.
"I'm not able to do much, yes although I can hit some golf balls, it's not comfortable or fully comfortable.
"It's a bit frustrating but I appreciate your support. I want to get back out there as soon as possible but it's just not ready yet."
DeChambeau won the Arnold Palmer Invitational last year by one stroke ahead of Lee Westwood. That is his only victory since his sole major title at the U.S. Open two years ago.
Josh Taylor said he would be open to a rematch with Jack Catterall but at welterweight only as the British Board of Boxing Control said it was investigating the scoring of their controversial fight.
Taylor retained his world super-lightweight titles after a points win over Catterall that caused huge consternation.
The judges determined that Taylor had triumphed 112-113, 114-111, 113-112, despite his opponent dominating the first five rounds.
Taylor was also knocked down in the eighth round by 28-year-old Catterall, who stormed out of Glasgow's OVO Hydro following the judges' decision.
Catterall's trainer Jamie Moore, who spoke in the boxer's absence, said: "It's difficult to put into words.
"You're talking about a kid who has worked all his life for that moment, who waited three years for that opportunity. He then performs like that and beats the champion in his own backyard – and gets absolutely robbed."
The BBBofC announced on Monday it was investigating the scoring and would "advise accordingly".
Taylor, who said he took time off with his family before watching back footage of the fight, praised Catterall but insisted he felt the decision was fair.
"First and foremost, I want to congratulate Jack Catterall on a great fight. He rose to the occasion and fought a valiant fight. However, I believe I won a very close fight," Taylor said on Instagram.
"Many fans believe Jack deserved the decision, and that's fine. We both went in there and fought our guts out for 12 rounds… but the personal attacks on myself and especially my family are disgusting and uncalled for.
"My days at 140 are numbered. My future is at welterweight. Jack Catterall deserves another title shot, and as soon as possible. I've never ducked a challenge in my career, and I'd be happy to fight Jack again, but it would have to be at welterweight. Jack is a great sportsman, a helluva fighter, and deserves every bit of the admiration he's been receiving.
"Fighting as the undisputed champion on Scottish soil was a dream come true, but I'm only getting started. I'll be back and better than ever, this time ready to conquer the welterweight division."
Elina Svitolina will refuse to play Russian or Belarusian players unless tennis' governing bodies have them compete as neutral athletes in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The world number 15, who has committed to donating all of her prize money to Ukrainian military and humanitarian efforts, has been drawn against Russia's Anastasia Potapova in the first round of the Monterrey Open.
In a post on Twitter, Svitolina announced she would not contest that match or any other against players from Russia or Belarus unless the ATP, WTA and ITF follow the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and remove any reference to their national identities.
Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine last Thursday, with neighbouring Belarus effectively used as a staging post for Russian military.
Svitolina wrote: "I believe the current situation requires a clear position from our organisations: ATP, WTA and ITF. As such, we – Ukrainian players – requested to ATP, WTA and ITF to follow the recommendations of the IOC to accept Russian or Belarusian nationals only as neutral athletes, without displaying any national symbols, colours, flags or anthems.
"Accordingly, I want to announce that I will not play tomorrow [Tuesday] in Monterrey, nor any other match against Russian or Belarusian tennis players until our organisations take this necessary decision."
Svitolina saluted the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Russian players who have all spoken out against the war.
She added: "I do not blame any of the Russian athletes. They are not responsible for the invasion of our motherland.
"Moreover, I wish to pay tribute to all the players, especially Russians and Belarusians, who bravely stated their position against the war. Their support is essential."
New York Mayor Eric Adams has ruled out the prospect of making an exception to coronavirus rules that would allow Kyrie Irving to play at home for the Brooklyn Nets.
Irving is unvaccinated which means he is unable to play for the Nets when they have games at Barclays Center under current guidelines, even though he can play in the NBA on the road.
A quirk in the rules means away players from other teams can play in New York City even if they have not had the vaccine, a situation Adams accepts "makes no sense" and is "ridiculous".
Adams hopes Irving can play for the Nets at home soon but will not change the rules early for one person because of the example it would set to the city's employees.
"These are the rules and I have to follow the rules," Adams said to CNBC.
"If I don't, I'm going to open the door that is sending the wrong message to everyday employees.
"Listen, I want Kyrie on the court. I would do anything to get that ring. So badly, I want it.
"But there's so much at stake here. And I spoke with the owner of the team. We want to find a way to get Kyrie on the court, but this is a bigger issue."
Adams added: "I can't have my city closed down again.
"It would send the wrong message just to have an exception for one player when we're telling a countless number of New York City employees, 'If you don't follow the rules, you won't be able to be employed'.
"Businesses have their vaccine mandates. City employees have their vaccine mandates. I have to follow the rules. And trust me, I want Kyrie on the court.
"We are here right now opening our city because of vaccine mandates. We can't close down again. I can't have my city close down again."
Irving said at the weekend he could see "light at the end of the tunnel" in his bid to play home games for the Nets and appreciated comments from NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who questioned the rules that allow unvaccinated road players to take to the court in New York.
The Nets (32-29) are at home against the Toronto Raptors (32-27) on Monday, having earned a key road win at NBA champions the Milwaukee Bucks last time out, Irving starring with a game-high 38 points.
Hall of Famer Derek Jeter announced on Monday he will step down as CEO of the Miami Marlins, a position he held since September 2017.
The Marlins went 218-327 in his four full seasons at the helm, making the playoffs once in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season following last-place finishes in 2018 and 2019. They finished fourth in the NL East this past season, going 67-95.
"I will no longer serve as CEO nor as a shareholder in the club," Jeter said in a statement released through PR Newswire, and not the Marlins.
"We had a vision five years ago to turn the Marlins franchise around, and as CEO, I have been proud to put my name and reputation on the line to make our plan a reality.
"Through hard work, trust and accountability, we transformed every aspect of the franchise, reshaping the workforce, and developing a long-term strategic plan for success.
"That said, the vision for the future of the franchise is different than the one I signed up to lead."
The Marlins were last in MLB in attendance in 2021, drawing less than 8,000 fans per game, and ranked 27th out of 30 teams in payroll at $61million – stark differences than what Jeter was used to during his playing days with the New York Yankees.
A five-time World Series champion and 14-time All-Star during a career spent entirely with the Yankees from 1995 to 2014, Jeter ranks sixth on baseball’s all-time hits list with 3,465. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2020.
Kyler Murray wants to stay in Arizona but needs the Cardinals to "prioritise" a new long-term contract for their quarterback, his agent says.
Murray's future has been the subject of some discussion at the start of the offseason after mixed messages emerging from his camp.
However, the Cardinals still see the 24-year-old as their QB "long-term", owner Michael Bidwill has said.
And a lengthy statement from Murray's agent Erik Burkhardt – widely released on Monday – has stated the two-time Pro Bowler also sees his future in Arizona.
"He absolutely wants to be your long-term QB [and] he desperately wants to win the Super Bowl," read a statement addressed to "loyal Arizona Cardinal fans".
To achieve this goal, however, Burkhardt said there needed to be "long-term stability for both the organisation and [Murray]."
Murray and his team have therefore proposed a lucrative deal for a player due just $5.5million in the fourth year of his rookie contract in 2022.
"To overtly communicate Kyler's desire to be the Cardinals' long-term QB, we sent a detailed contract proposal to the organisation," the statement said.
"It was important to Kyler that his proposal reflected all of the following: provides financial protection, is in line with the current QB market that compares his results alongside relevant comps, lowers his 2022-23 salary cap number to allow the Cardinals to re-sign other deserving team-mates and add additional free agents, and most importantly represents a real commitment from the organisation to see if their ultimate goals align with his two above (consistently competing for championships and Kyler being their QB)."
In an apparent challenge to the Cardinals, the statement continued: "Actions speak much louder than words in this volatile business.
"It is now simply up to the Cardinals to decide if they prioritise their rapidly improving, 24-year-old, already two-time Pro Bowl QB, who led the organisation from three wins before his arrival to 11 wins and their first playoff appearance in five years.
"Or rather, if they choose to financially prioritise committing to other areas and continuing to merely talk about addressing Kyler's long-term future as their QB.
"Unfortunately, every player, coach and executive in the NFL knows (or should know) that words and hypothetical contractual promises are regularly dismissed and fleeting in this business."
The 11-6 Cardinals finished second in the NFC West in 2021, following a 7-0 start.
Murray missed more than a month of the season due to an ankle injury, after which his and the team's form tailed off after MVP-calibre early performances.
He threw for 3,787 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 14 games, while he also had 423 yards and five TDs rushing on 88 carries.
The Green Bay Packers are set for their first ever game outside the United States after the NFL announced its international schedule for 2022.
The Packers, who become the 32nd and final NFL team to head abroad, will play in London, as will the New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Elsewhere, the first Germany game will be hosted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Munich, while the Arizona Cardinals go to Mexico City.
"We are very excited to be staging five games outside the United States in 2022, and thank the owners for their continued commitment to growing the sport internationally," NFL executive vice president of club business and league events Peter O'Reilly said.
"Our fans in Germany, Mexico and the United Kingdom can look forward to seeing some of the most iconic names and biggest stars in the league and enjoying an incredible series of events."
The Packers had previously been reluctant to move games outside of the Green Bay area, but a new ruling agreed last year means every team is required to play abroad at least once every eight years.
That decision was part of the move to a 17-game season, which was implemented in 2021.
Opposing teams, dates and kick-off times for the Packers and the rest will be announced when the full 2022 schedule is confirmed later in the year.
Alize Cornet crashed out on home soil as the Lyon Open got under way on Monday.
Fourth seed Cornet went down to a surprise defeat against Spanish qualifier Cristina Bucsa to disappoint the French support.
Bucsa, the world number 139, broke serve on six occasions as she came from behind to triumph 1-6 6-4 6-1 and dispatch Cornet, who was the highest-seeded player taking to the court on day one.
Fifth seed Jasmine Paolini almost joined Cornet in suffering an early exit at the WTA 250 event.
However, the Italian rallied to defeat Irina Bara 4-6 7-5 6-3 in a battle lasting two hours and 25 minutes.
Elsewhere, six aces helped Varvara Gracheva edge past Kristina Kucova in a 7-6 (7-0) 7-6 (7-2) win.
Paolini's compatriot Camila Giorgi is the number one seed at the tournament.
Giorgi is due to start her campaign on Tuesday after being handed a standout draw against home favourite Caroline Garcia.
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