Second seed Jennifer Capriati began her quest for a third Grand Slam title this year with a 6-2 6-1 thrashing of Dutch player Amanda Hopmans at the US Open last night.
The Australian and French Open champion used her powerful groundstrokes to control most of the points in the 63-minute clash with the 142nd-ranked Hopmans at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"I think it was great. I played really good tonight," said the 25-year-old world number two.
"I'm glad I was able to get out there and get used to the conditions, get used to playing at night," said Capriati, who admitted to being more comfortable playing during the day.
Capriati's only stumble came on her first service game of the second set when Hopmans converted the lone break point she was afforded. But it proved to be the only game the Dutchwoman would take in the set.
Reigning US Open champion Venus Williams began her title defence with a 6-2 6-3 win over Slovakian qualifier Lenka Dlhopolcova.
French eighth seed Amelie Mauresmo advanced to the second round after defeating Russia's Anastasia Myskina 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.
Mauresmo overcame eight double faults to win in 97 minutes and advance to face a Slovakian opponent, either Ludmila Cervanova or Janette Husarova.
