World number one and top seed Rafael Nadal is through to the second round of the US Open after a straight-sets victory over Teymuraz Gabashvili.
Nadal was made to work hard by the Russian on the Arthur Ashe Stadium before securing a 7-6 7-6 6-3 victory.
The Spaniard had to wait until the third set before breaking Gabashvili's serve for the first time before wrapping up victory inside two-and-a-half hours.
"It was a very tough match tonight," admitted Nadal, who will now face Denis Istomin in round two. "My serve tonight worked well and hopefully I can continue like this.
"It's not my best shot but I always try hard to keep improving."
Fellow Spaniards Fernando Verdasco, David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez and Tommy Robredo all made it through to the next round.
World number three Novak Djokovic also made it through to the second round after being taken to five sets by fellow Serb Viktor Troicki.
"I have to give Viktor credit, he is playing really well and serving incredibly well," explained a relieved Djokovic after he found himself 2-0 down when trailing 2-1 in the fourth set.
"If I had lost it would have been so deserved on his side. Only a couple of points turned the match around."