Hantuchova makes early exit

Daniela Hantuchova became the highest profile casualty of the US Open first round.

Ninth seed dumped by Vakulenko

Daniela Hantuchova became the highest profile casualty of the US Open first round when she suffered a surprise defeat to Julia Vakulenko. The ninth seed from Slovakia made 32 unforced errors as she was beaten 6-4 3-6 6-1 by Vakulenko. It was Hantuchova's first opening round defeat at Flushing Meadows since she was beaten on her US Open debut in 2001. With Hantuchova struggling from the start, world number 50 Vakulenko took the first set but the ninth seed looked back on track when she levelled at one set apiece. However, Vakulenko then broke the Hantuchova serve twice to clinch victory and set up a second-round match with Croat Jelena Kostanic Tosic. Maria Sharapova got her US Open title defence off to a flying start as she crushed Italian Roberta Vinci 6-0 6-1. The Russian second seed needed just 50 minutes to come through her opening round at the Arthur Ashe Stadium - the scene of her memorable Grand Slam triumph in 2006. And Sharapova claims that success acts as an inspiration for her. She said: "There's no way to get rid of the memories when I walk on the court and feel the vibe. Every corner I turn here, I get goose bumps." For Vinci, the loss was not a shock, with the Italian just happy to win one game against the 20-year-old. She said: "I win one game, I'm happy. Six-love, six-love? No. six-love, 6-1? Okay."