Tennis: Federer and Nadal begin campaigns in style

Rafael Nadal at a press conference after his win over Mark Philippoussis today. Picture / Reuters

NEW YORK - World no 1 Roger Federer and chief rival Rafael Nadal began their march toward a US Open tennis collision with straight-set victories this morning.

Federer hammered Wang Yeu-tzuoo of Taiwan 6-4 6-1 6-0 in first-round action on Arthur Ashe Stadium, while second seed Nadal whipped former finalist Mark Philippoussis 6-4 6-4 6-4.

The duo have contested the last two grand slam finals and are favourites to meet in the championship match on Sept. 10.

A day after rain wiped out nearly all of the scheduled matches, large crowds at Flushing Meadows welcomed the tennis despite an overcast day with possible showers looming.

In the women's draw, top seed Amelie Mauresmo completed her rain-suspended match with Kristina Barrois, defeating the 131st ranked German qualifier, 6-1 7-5.

Also advancing to the second round were Lleyton Hewitt and David Nalbandian on the men's side, and Martina Hingis and Serena Williams on the women's.

Federer, gunning for his third straight US Open crown, blasted seven aces and kept Wang off-balance by winning 90 per cent of his first serve points.

Needing just one hour and 40 minutes to advance, the Australian Open and Wimbledon champion said it was too early to think about a possible final showdown against Nadal.

"I think the draws for both of us are pretty good but the other 126 players will try to not make it happen," said Federer, who lost to Nadal in the French Open final but beat him at Wimbledon.

"I don't think of playing him right now, not at all, because it's just too long of a road. Not only I have to get there, but him as well."

Nadal wasted little time in getting into his stride, pumping his fist and roaring on each key point against Philippoussis, a hard-serving wildcard entry from Australia.

Second-ranked Nadal said he was "very happy" with his performance which lasted just over two hours. The Spaniard committed just 10 unforced errors while breaking Philippoussis' serve once in each set.

Nadal, who has never advanced past the third round of the Open, set the tone for the match by breaking Philippoussis in the opening game of the match.

"Philippoussis is a very big server," said Nadal.

"His serve is unbelievable, especially his first serve -- sometimes three aces in one game.

"But I played an unbelievable first game. That's important for the confidence. I played my best match for sure in the last three weeks."

Mauresmo opened the day up a set but down 5-2 in the second before winning all five games to win the match and set up a second-round affair against American Meghann Shaughnessy.

"I just thought yesterday, and especially in the second set, I was way too much behind my baseline, and so she was able to take control and really hit some great shots," said Mauresmo.

"Today didn't want to let that happen again and even try to be a little bit more aggressive."

Marat Safin, Open winner in 2000, set up an intriguing second-round showdown with Nalbandian, while the Russian's successor as champion, Hewitt, eased to a 7-5 6-4 6-3 win over Spaniard Albert Montanes.

- REUTERS