NEW YORK, Aug.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Aug.

FLUSHING, N.Y., Aug. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The USTA today announced that consumer electronics giant Panasonic has become an official sponsor of the US Open in a new three-year agreement.

Playing on a taped-up knee so painful he almost pulled out of the U.S. Open, Rafael Nadal was hardly at his imposing best Wednesday. It was a struggle to sprint, and he scuffled against a foe who never has won a Grand Slam match, let alone a title.

By HOWARD FENDRICH NEW YORK - Two-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal and 2001 U.S. Open winner Marat Safin were among those in early action a day after there was pretty much a total washout at the year's last Grand Slam tournament.