Clijsters, the top-seeded woman at the joint WTA-ATP tournament at the Queensland Tennis Centre, faced three break points in the opening game of the match but fought back to take the lead.
Clijsters will face Alicia Molik of Australia in the second round. Molik, who, like Clijsters began a comeback last year, defeated Ekaterina Makarova of Russia 6-4, 1-6, 6-4.
"It was just a nice feeling to be out there again," Clijsters said. "I am really happy that I'm here because it really makes the transition to Melbourne (site of the Australian Open beginning Jan. 18) a bit easier."
Molik was forced to save five break points in the deciding set, including three at 4-4, before breaking Makarova's serve to love in the 10th game. It was Molik's first main-draw victory on the WTA tour since the first round of the Australian Open in 2008.
Molik's last tour event was at the Beijing Olympics 17 months ago. She retired in September 2008 after being plagued with an inner ear condition - vestibular neuronitis - since late 2005. Her highest singles ranking was No. 8 in February, 2005.
On Monday, Justine Henin, the former No. 1 making a return to official tournament play after 20 months in retirement, takes on second-seeded Nadia Petrova and Australian Jelena Dokic plays third-seeded Ana Ivanovic.
Andy Roddick, the No. 1 men's seed, plays Australian Peter Luczak in a night match at Pat Rafter Arena. It's Roddick's first match in nearly three months after he missed the end part of last season with a left knee injury.
"He's the worst guy you can get in there - the No.1 seed," Luczak said Sunday. "But if ever there is a time to beat him it's the first match of the year, especially when he's had a few months out with a bit of an injury."
Primera Liga round-upRoddick says knee is better but not perfect
