Marat Safin

Venus Williams, Ana Ivanovic and Marat Safin have all cruised to straight-set victories.

Venus looked a little shaky -- she had six double faults -- and Ivanovic was broken early before both settled down and steamrolled their opponents.

The most impressive performance of the afternoon goes to American Robby Ginepri, now ranked 64th, who won a blowout match 6-0, 6-3, 6-1.

Ginepri was a semifinalist in 2005 (he lost to Agassi) and was inside the Top 15 before turning in a 9-16 performance this year and falling to pieces.

According to this very good profile in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Ginepri a month ago named as his coach Jose Higueras, the guru who once guided Pete Sampras, Michael Chang and Jim Courier.

After a slow day yesterday, we're back to a really strong lineup of matches today.

Rafael Nadal debuts at the Open at Arthur Ashe, right after Ana Ivanovic and Venus Williams finish up against their unknown opponents.

Streaky Marat Safin plays at 11 this morning on Louis Armstrong, followed by Justine Henin. Next door, at the very loud Grandstand there will be a delightful lineup full of Americans: Meghann Shaughnessy, Robby Ginepri, Mardy Fish and upstart Ahsha Rolle.

On Court 11, Elena Dementieva plays the second match, followed by former French Open Champion Carlos Moya. Over at Court 13 there are back-to-back matches featuring Spaniard Tommy Robredo and the lovable Marion Bartoli.

Match of the Day: giant American John Isner takes on South African Rik De Voest (10 inches shorter!) in the battle of 100-something seeds at night time in Louis Armstrong. The winner gets a crack at Roger Federer. Expect electricity.