DENT DOWNS GERMAN Taylor Dent had trouble with the wind but found a way to defeat Germany’s Lars Burgsmuller, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. Dent double-faulted 13 times, but his stellar volleys proved the difference.

ONE AUSSIE RULES… Lleyton Hewitt had no trouble with Spain’s Albert Costa yesterday, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 in an hour and 20 minutes. Hewitt won more than twice as many points as Costa, 84 to 37.

…BUT ANOTHER ONE ROTS Mark Philippoussis continued his recent struggles with a 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 loss to Karol Kucera. Philippoussis was given a wildcard into the tournament.

CZECH TOO MUCH FOR CHINESE STAR Nicole Vaidisova, a 16-year-old Czech, easily defeated one of China’s top talents, Jie Zheng, 6-3, 6-0. An other young women’s star, 17-year-old Ana Ivanovic, was less fortunate, losing to 31-year-old veteran Maria Vento-Kabchi 3-6, 7-5, 6-1.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS

Andre Agassi anchors the day session at the U.S. Open today, as he takes on 6-foot-10 serving giant Ivo Karlovic in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Also in action are Lindsay Davenport and Justine Henin-Hardenne.

At night, James Blake will try to extend his comeback against Igor Andreev. Amelie Mauresmo opens the evening against charismatic 16-year-old Sesil Karatantcheva of Bulgaria.

Looking for a loud crowd during the day? Check out Gustavo Kuerten against Tommy Robredo on Court 11 at 11:00 a.m. As for Andy Roddick’s spoiler, Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller, he takes on Robby Ginepri in Louis Armstrong, also in the afternoon.