Novak Djokovic began his US Open title defence in style with a 6-4 6-1 6-4 win over Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena on Monday.
The top-seeded Serbian, who has claimed four of the last five grand slam titles, took some time to settle in to his first career meeting with Carballes Baena but after a tight first set was off to the races.
Djokovic, bidding for a 17th grand slam title, got an early break to go ahead 2-0 in the second set and never looked back as the three-times champion used a mix of deft volleys, solid movement and great instincts to secure the win.
Up next for Djokovic will be either American Sam Querrey or Argentine Juan Ignacio Londero.
Kei Nishikori advanced to the second round as the 2014 finalist beat qualifier Marco Trungelliti, who was forced to retire with the Japanese leading 6-1 4-1.
Nishikori’s serve clicked from the start and the seventh seed won 90 per cent of his first-serve points while never facing a break point against the Argentine in 47 minutes on Grandstand court.
Trungelliti, playing in his first grand slam main draw match since the 2018 French Open, needed treatment on his upper body during a changeover in the second set.
He then whacked a ball in frustration after a serve hit the net, and said he couldn’t continue playing.
Next up for Nishikori is a second-round clash with Thiago Monteiro or Bradley Klahn.
World No.5 Daniil Medvedev continued his recent good form with a 6-4 6-1 6-2 win over India’s Prajnesh Gunneswaran, despite taking a medical timeout for treatment.
The 1.98-metre Russian won in Cincinnati ahead of the US Open, beating Djokovic in the semi-finals.