Novac Djokovic has moved to the second round of the US Open after he bested Alexandre Muller in nine consecutive sets.
The Serbian secured a 6-0 6-2 6-3 victory after winning his first eight games in a row, and all in only 96 minutes.
Djokovic, winner of the Australian and French Open titles earlier lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. But he is in high spirits for the US Open and totally outclassed Muller.
“It was a great joy to be stepping out on the court,” said Djokovic.
“I think the performance explains how I felt tonight, particularly in the first two sets. It was kind of lights-out tennis, almost flawless, perfect first set.
“I’ve probably had the answer for every shot he had in his book. Overall I’m very, very pleased with the way I feel, with the way I’m playing.
“Hopefully I can maintain that level. It’s just the beginning of the tournament, but I already like the level of tennis.”
The Serbian, pushing for a 24th grand slam singles title, will face unseeded Bernabe Zapata Miralles in round two following the Spaniard’s 6-4 6-4 6-3 win over Ethan Quinn.
Elsewhere, Frances Tiafoe is also into round two after a 6-2 7-5 6-1 win over Learner Tien, as Taylor Fritz beat Steve Johnson 6-2 6-1 6-2.
Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Milos Raonic 6-2 6-3 6-4 to move to the next round, while Casper Ruud came through a hard-fought 7-6(5) 3-6 6-4 7-6(5) battle with Emilio Nava.
In a shocking twist, Felix Auger Aliassime was beaten by Mackenzie McDonald 7-5(5) 4-6 6-1 6-4.
