Nadal makes impressive start to U.S. Open bid

NEW YORK, Aug 30 (Reuters) Second seed Rafael Nadal made an impressive start to his U.S. Open title bid today when he beat former runner-up Mark Philippoussis 6-4 6-4 6-4 in the first round.

The Spaniard, who has never been beyond the third round in three visits to Flushing Meadows, looked full of confidence as he brushed aside the Australian wildcard in just over two hours.

Philippoussis hammered 19 aces but French Open champion Nadal broke once in each of the first two sets to take command.

Nadal broke again in the opening game of the third set and after saving four break points in the fourth game, held on to set up a clash with Luis Horna of Portugal or Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

Reuters AKJ DB2336