[ Top-seeded Martina Hingis opened play... ]

NEW YORK, N.Y.--Top-seeded Martina Hingis opened play on CenterCourt against Laura Granville as the U.S. Open began today at theNational Tennis Center in New York.

Hingis, one of eight former U.S. Open champions scheduled to playtoday, beat the Chicago native 6-2, 6-0. She won the Open in 1997,but hasn't won a WTA event since February and lost in the first roundat Wimbledon this year.

Two-time champions Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter and Monica Selesare also scheduled to play today at the year's final Grand Slamtennis tournament.

Agassi, the second seed on the men's side, opens play against MikeBryan of the U.S, while No. 6 Rafter faces brother Bob Bryan in …