The reigning Olympic and world champions are seeking a third consecutive European title.

French opponents Alexandra Jupiter and Ophélie Lusson battled hard on Jurmala Beach but were eventually dispatched 21-18, 21-18 in two tight sets.

Ludwig is chasing a remarkable 10th medal at European level since she claimed silver in 2007 in Valencia alongside former partner Sara Goller.

Fellow Germans Chantal Laboureur and Julia Sude also started well with a 25-minute rout over Dutch opponents Annemieke Driessen and Ilke Meertens, 21-13, 21-7.

Karla Borger and Margareta Kozuch were among other German winners as they triumphed 22-20, 21-16 over Ukrainian twins Inna and Iryna Makhno. 

There was also something for the home fans to celebrate as Latvia's 2016 Under-22 European champions Tina Graudina and Anastasija Kravcenoka won 21-13, 21-17 over Austria's Lena Plesiutschnig and Teresa Strauss.

Piotr Kantor and Bartosz Losiak of Poland lived up to their billing as top seeds in the men's draw.

They were forced to work hard, however, in a 41 minute clash with Ukrainians Mykola Babich and Iaroslav Gordieiev.

The Polish duo eventually won 21-17, 13-21, 15-9.

Action will continue tomorrow.