Comfortable start for Henin-Hardenne

Second seed Justine Henin-Hardenne showed little sign of inconvenience at a 90-minute rain delay as she opened her US Open campaign with a straight-sets win.

Coming on court at Arthur Ashe Stadium after play was delayed for one-and-a-half hours, the French and Australian Open champion and Wimbledon finalist wasted little time in dispatching first-round opponent Maria Elena Camerin of Italy 6-2, 6-1.

The Belgian, who won here in 2003, is trying to become the first player since Martina Hingis in 1997 to reach the final of all four events in the same calendar year.

She started the final element of that challenge in fine style, wrapping up the first set in 40 minutes.

The second seed held a 2-1 lead in the second set when Camerin needed medical attention for what appeared to be a problem with her left thigh. The Italian eventually left the court for further treatment but must wish she had not bothered returning as Henin-Hardenne raced to victory, winning four straight games in 12 minutes to complete the rout in 1 hour, 13 minutes.