FLUSHING MEADOWS, N.Y., Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Rain caused a delay in the start of play Tuesday, the second day of the 2006 U.S. Open, and play had not started by early afternoon.
World No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo was scheduled to begin her attempt to win a third major of 2006 with a match against German Kristina Barrois in the first round. Mauresmo won the Australian Open and Wimbledon championships this year.
Third-seeded Maria Sharapova was also set for a first-round match, as was two-time Open champ, but unseeded this year, Serena Williams, and last year's runner-up Mary Pierce, who is seeded 13th.
On the men's side, second-seeded Spaniard Rafael Nadal was expected to the action, facing 1998 Open runner-up Mark Philippoussis in the first round.
Two former Open champions were scheduled for Tuesday: unseeded Marat Safin of Russia, 2000's winner, and 15th seed Lleyton Hewitt, 2001's champion, were to hit the courts Tuesday, weather permitting.
Fifth-seeded American James Blake and fourth-seeded Argentine David Nalbandian were also scheduled for first-round matches Tuesday.
