US Open begins in New York

The 2010 US Open began with no major upsets or drama.  No. 2 seed and 5-time champion Roger Federer wasted little time winning his headlining match against Brian Dabul.  Along the way, Federer delighted the crowd with a between-the-legs winner reminiscent of last year’s match against Novak Djokovic.

The top-ranked American, No. 9 Andy Roddick easily won his match over Stephane Robert in straight sets.  Also winning in the men’s draw was No. 5 Robin Soderling, who received a scare from Andreas Haider-Maurer.  Soderling needed the full 5 sets to earn the victory.

No. 6 Nikolay Davydenko had little trouble in his straight sets win over Michael Russell.

The women’s draw got underway with last year’s cindarella story, American Melanie Oudin earning a victory over Olga Savchuk.

Defending champion Kim Clijsters (2) and American Venus Williams (3) each won their opening matches in straight sets.

No. 5 Samantha Stosur needed a third set to overcome Elena Vesnina.  French Open champion Francesca Schiavone (6) easily over Ayumi Morita.

No. 10 Victoria Azarenka had a 2nd set letdown in her 3 set victory over Monica Niculescu.

Fan favorite Ana Ivanovic opened with a win over Ekaterina Makarova.