Nadal, Ferrer first-day winners at Open

FLUSHING MEADOWS, N.Y., Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Spain's Rafael Nadal, the world's top-ranked player, advanced in straight sets Monday on the first day of play of the 2008 U.S. Open.

Nadal won 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) over German qualifier Bjorn Phau. Another Spaniard, fourth-seeded David Ferrer, and sixth-seeded Scot Andy Murray also won in straight sets.

Ferrer, a semifinalist last year, posted a 7-6 (7-1), 6-2, 6-2 win over Argentina's Martin Vassallo Arguello and Murray won 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 over Argentine Sergio Roitman.

Nadal is playing a Grand Slam as a top seed for the first time since replacing Roger Federer as the world's top-ranked player following his victory in the Olympics. He earned the top spot with victories over the Swiss superstar in the finals at the French Open and Wimbledon.

Nadal will try to end Federer's hold on the U.S. Open trophy. Federer, the tournament's second seed, has won the crown at Flushing Meadows four years running.

Nadal, has never been past the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open. He lost to Mikhail Youzhny in the 2006 quarterfinals and last year fell in the fourth round to Ferrer.