While Roger Federer cruised through on the third day of the US Open, Rafael Nadal and Venus Williams had a tougher time of it in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Nadal battled through knee pain and an inspired performance first round performance by Australian Alun Jones before winning 7-5 3-6 6-4 6-1, and Williams started slowly before easing past second round Romanian Ioana Raluca Olaru 6-4 6-2.
Second seeded Nadal hurt his left knee during practice three days ago and had the trainer wrap the joint after being broken by Jones in the third set for a 4-3 deficit.
"Maybe if I am in another tournament I would never have gone on the court today," the Spaniard said. "But the US Open is a very big tournament for me.
"Two days ago I was much worse. Today I didn't move much but I played, so that's the good news."
The 123rd-ranked Jones had 60 unforced errors in the match because he refused to take the safe route against the three-times French Open champion.
Elsewhere, top seed Justine Henin was a 6-4 6-0 winner over Bulgarian qualifier Tsvetana Pironkova with favourites having an easy time on a cool, sunny day at Flushing Meadows.
Also into the third round with straight sets wins were third seed Jelena Jankovic and number five Ana Ivanovic, both Serbians who are primed for a quarter-final clash.
On the men's side, 2000 champion Marat Safin of Russia and eighth seed Tommy Robredo of Spain advanced with little trouble, while defending champion Federer found things just as easy in his 6-1 6-4 6-4 defeat of second round opponent Paul Capdeville.
Williams, seeded 12th, had six double faults and committed 15 errors in the opening set but settled down to win the match in 69 minutes.
"I missed a few shots that were easy, but ultimately, it's important to get to the next round," said Williams. "I always feel like my game will be there.
"I'm not stressed out on a few shots."
Williams had surged to a 5-2 lead in the opening set before 18-year-old Olaru, making her first US Open appearance, broke in the ninth game to claw back to 5-4.
The American immediately broke back to win the set and then settled down to ease through the second.
Olaru said Williams, champion in 2000 and 2001, could be poised to claim her third title at the National Tennis Centre.
"I think she's in pretty good shape," said the Romanian.
"And she's motivated as always. But all of the top players are motivated. It's going to be a tough battle but she can do it."
Henin took a while to find her game before dispatching the 130th-ranked Pironkova for the second time in two career meetings.
"I just go step by step and try to build my confidence day after day," said the Belgian, the 2003 champion.
"In a grand slam, you have to be strong, win seven matches. It's tough. It's long."
