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The 29-year-old Dent, who last won an ATP tournament in 2003, ran out 6-3, 6-2 in perfect conditions on centre court.
Dent, who spent two years out of the game with a back injury that threatened his career, also defeated Lopez in last year's US Open.
Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka, ranked 26th in the world, defeated Spain's Nicolas Almagro, ten places above him but playing just his second hardcourt tournament of the year.
Wawrinka looked comfortable throughout the 6-3, 6-3 victory and will play the winner of the all-French first-round match between Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau.
The tournament features the top four players in the world, including Britain's Andy Murray, fresh from his triumph in Toronto.
First Round Results:
Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) bt Nicolas Almagro (ESP) 6-3, 6-3
Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) bt Victor Hanescu (ROM) 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/2), 6-3
Viktor Troicki (SRB) bt Radek Stepanek (CZE) 7-5, 6-1
Taylor Dent (USA) bt Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 6-3, 6-2
Sam Querrey (USA) bt Philipp Petzschner (GER) 6-1, 6-4
Michael Berrer (GER) bt Tommy Robredo (ESP) 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-6 (10/8)
Thiemo De Bakker (NED) bt Juan Monaco (ARG) 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3
