Nadal, Williams sisters cruise at U.S. Open

Rafael Nadal of Spain (L) is congratulated by Ryan Harrison of the U.S. after Nadal won their match at the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York, August 26, 2013. REUTERS/Mike Segar

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal made an ominous return to the U.S. Open on Monday while the sister act of Serena and Venus Williams shared the spotlight as the last grand slam of the year got underway.

Roared on by the energetic Flushing Meadows crowds, the trio turned on a masterclass of power hitting at Arthur Ashe Stadium before New York's fickle weather brought proceedings to an early end.