All the top seeds looked convincing on Day Three of the 2009 U.S. Open. Rafael Nadal was particularly impressive in his 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 domination of France’s Richard Gasquet. Nadal sported 7 aces, no double faults and committed just 10 unforced errors. Spectators saw no evidence of the knee injury that sidelined the Spanish star from Wimbledon. Rafa looked his dominant self and will face German Nicolas Kiefer in Round Two. Nadal has never won the US Open.

Roger Federer was tested by another German, Simon Gruel, in a tight three set match at prime time. As usual, Federer did what he had to do to pull out a 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 win. The top seed will next face a challenge from long-time rival and 2001 U.S. Open Champion, Australian Lleyton Hewitt. Hewitt was impressive on Wednesday in defeating Juan Ignacio Chela in straight sets. A battle–tested veteran, Hewitt will give Federer everything he has in Round Three.

Fourth seeded Novak Djokovic showed no mercy in his 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 triumph over Croatia’s Ivan Ljubicic. Djokovic looked every bit as impressive as Nadal with 9 aces, no double faults and just 7 unforced errors. As in other Grand Slam early rounds, Djokovic’s play was nearly flawless. His consistent play will be a challenge to all comers.

Sixth seeded Juan Martin Del Potro defeated Argentine countryman Juan Monaco 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 in a less impressive manner. Del Potro uncharacteristically committed 25 unforced errors but appeared to be treating the match as a tune-up. Del Potro has the reputation of playing down to his opponent’s level of play. That dangerous mindset was in evidence on Wednesday.

American Jesse Levine, who was impressive at Wimbledon, continued his strong play with a dominant 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 win over Russia’s Teimuraz Gabashvili. The 21 year old left-hander shows no signs of nerves and will next face 16th seeded Croatian veteran Marin Cilic. The New York fans were extremely enthusiastic about Levine’s performance and just might distract the hard serving Cilic.

Of the 64 players left, Djokovic, Roddick and Nadal have looked especially impressive and have shown the eye of the tiger. Top-seeded Federer is rounding into form and 2nd seed Murray will be in action on Thursday. At Flushing Meadows, it is game on!

America’s Devin Britton may be the best collegiate player in the land, but he received a rare lesson yesterday from the best tennis player to ever grace the courts. Roger Federer did his thing in an 88-minute 6-1, 6-3, 7-5 taming of the NCAA Champion.

Federer shook off the cobwebs and let his supporters see just enough before exiting in anticipation of his second round match with Juan Ignacio Chela. Once Britton got his feet underneath him, he played to his potential and will doubtless be back a more experienced and less nervous opponent.

In the last match of the day, fifth seeded Andy Roddick stormed past German Bjorn Phau 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. Roddick showed the fitness and form that have led to his revitalization. Roddick looks to be a tough out in this event and with his huge fan base pushing hard, watch out for the upsets.

German Tommy Haas thrives on early match drama. He racked up another tense four set first round win with a stirring 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7), 6-2 win over Alejandro Falla. Haas looked tentative and will need steadier play to overcome his second round opponent Robert Kendrick of the U.S.

Kendrick played well in London but was more impressive on Monday. The hard serving youngster was never threatened en route to a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win over Arguello Martin Vassallo. Look for Kendrick to surprise the 20th seeded Haas.

Lleyton Hewitt played hard in a 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 triumph over Thiago Alves. Hewitt seems poised for a third round battle with Federer and looks forward to a better showing than in London.

Meanwhile, American James Blake seemed tentative at times but held on to win a 6-1, 6-4, 7-5 match with Hidalgo Ruben Ramirez. Seeded 21st, Blake has not had his best year. New York fans are hoping some hometown cooking will settle his woeful serve.

Eight seeded Nikolay Davydenko of Russia worked his way past Dieter Kindlmann of Germany with a hard earned 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 triumph. Davydenko looks to have a relatively easy path to the quarters.

Many of the game’s biggest names take the court on Tuesday. So far, no upsets at the U.S. Open.