HOBART, Australia -- Persistent rain throughout Monday cancelled all first-round action at the ANZ Tasmanian International tennis event.

On Tuesday, former Australian Open champion Mary Pierce will face Kristina Brandi of the United States. Pierce, who received a wild card into this event, is attempting a comeback after missing seven months last season with back problems.

Pierce's efforts were hampered last week when she strained a hamstring at an exhibition in Hong Kong.

Top seed and 1999 finalist Rita Grande of Italy will play Rita Kuti Kis of Hungary; second-seeded Paola Suarez of Argentina meets Russian qualifier Elena Tatarkova; and fifth seed and defending champion Meilen Tu of the United States will battle Cara Black of Zimbabwe.

Other seeds in action Tuesday are No. 6 Joannette Kruger of South Africa, No. 7 Amy Frazier of the United States and No. 9 Mariana Diaz-Oliva of Argentina.

This year's winner takes home $16,000 and should gain confidence going into the Australian Open, which begins next Monday in Melbourne.