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NEW YORK - Maria Sharapova's dazzling play matched her eye-catching attire yesterday as the Russian opened the defence of her US Open crown in impeccably stylish fashion.
Sporting a flaming red dress with more than 600 Swarovski crystals on the bodice, second-seeded Sharapova needed just 50 minutes to
see off Italy's world No 51, Roberta Vinci, 6-0, 6-1 and move into the second round.
"Every corner I turn here I get goosebumps because of all the great memories," Sharapova said. "When you come back to the place where you won your second major, it's incredible."
There were few upsets on the second day of the final Grand Slam of the year, played under sunny skies and with a cool, comfortable breeze during the evening.
The most notable upset of the day saw ninth seed Daniela Hantuchova sent packing by Ukrainian Julia Vakulenko 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, marking the 24-year-old Slovak's earliest exit at Flushing Meadows since her 2001 debut.
Elsewhere, 2004 Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova whipped Czech Klara Zakopalova 6-2, 6-3 and 1997 winner Martina Hingis bounced Frenchwoman Mathilde Johansson 6-0, 6-3.
Other winners included sixth seed Anna Chakvetadze, No 11 seed Patty Schnyder, 13th seed Nicole Vaidisova and No 26 Sania Mirza.
On the men's side, 2001 champion Lleyton Hewitt rolled over Amer Delic 6-2, 6-4, 6-2, while third seed Novak Djokovic looked like a legitimate threat to end Roger Federer's three-year reign with a 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 victory over Robin Haase.
Fifth seeded Andy Roddick and fellow American, sixth seed James Blake, also advanced to the second round with straight sets victories.
Sharapova said she thought she did "everything solid" in her victory over Vinci.
"She's a pretty quick opponent, rushing from side to side," the Russian said. "A couple of years ago, those types of opponents would have been difficult on me. But I feel like I'm a much more patient player now."
Vinci said she suffered from a painful toothache this week and received injections of antibiotics that sapped her energy. The diminutive Italian said she had not practised for three days before the match.
When Vinci won her only game to trim Sharapova's lead to 6-0, 5-1, she delighted the crowd by jumping up and pumping her fist.
"I tried to do my best," said the 24-year-old. "I won one game. I'm happy. She played good. I think if I played her another day, I'd lose. But not 6-0, 6-1."
Hewitt smacked 31 winners and won 95 per cent of the points on his first serve during his victory over the shell-shocked Delic.
"He doesn't have the best passing shots out there," said Hewitt. "So it was a matter of me mixing it up when I had the opportunity, come in on his backhand, make him press."
Delic, ranked 71st, said 26-year-old Hewitt might be overlooked as an Open contender because of the Grand Slam success of Federer and Rafael Nadal.
"The guy does not give you absolutely anything."
- Reuters