Flushing Meadows, NY -- (Sports Network) - David Ferrer of Spain was among the early winners on the first day of play at the 2008 U.S. Open.

Ferrer, this year's fourth seed and a semifinalist last year, overcame a sluggish first set to post a 7-6 (7-1), 6-2, 6-2 victory over Argentina's Martin Vassallo Arguello.

France's Gael Monfils and Argentina's Jose Acasuso also earned straight-set victories on Monday. Monfils, the 32nd seed, notched a 6-4, 6-4, 6-1 triumph over Uruguay's Pablo Cuevas, while Acasuso eased past Germany's Michael Berrer, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.

Rafael Nadal, coming off victories at the French Open, Wimbledon and the Olympics, is this year's top seed. The Spaniard will play later Monday against Germany's Bjorn Phau.

Also in action Monday are ninth-seeded American James Blake and sixth-seeded Scot Andy Murray. Blake has the late night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium against fellow American Donald Young. Murray will take on Argentina's Sergio Roitman.