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Novak Djokovic will become world number 1 again after winning his opening match at the US Open.
- Novak Djokovic is trying to win his 24th grand slam, and fourth US Open
- He defeated Frenchman Alexandre Müller 6-0, 6-2, 6-3
- Djokovic will face Spain's Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the second round
The 23-time grand slam winner needed just one win at the US Open to overtake Spain's Carlos Alcaraz when the next rankings are released.
Djokovic wasted no time in a match that started around 11pm local time, defeating Frenchman Alexandre Müller in straight sets 6-0, 6-2, 6-3.
Djokovic, a three-time winner of the US Open, was outstanding from the opening game, breaking serve on his way to winning the opening set 6-0.
It was the 46th time Djokovic has held an opponent to love in a set at a grand slam.
Djokovic was never really threatened in the second or third sets.
He gave up a break in the second set, but re-established his dominance in the next game, breaking back and maintaining his stranglehold of the contest.
"I started tremendously well off the blocks," Djokovic said.
"I think I could have served [better] in the second and the third. I dropped the level of my serve and had to work for my points a bit more.
"Nevertheless, I think I played great from the beginning to the end."
Djokovic has set up a second round clash with Spain's Bernabe Zapata Miralles, who defeated American Ethan Quinn in straight sets.
"He's a clay-court specialist but over the years, all these guys learn how to play on the hard courts," Djokovic said of Zapata Miralles.
"There's no easy opponent obviously. I respect everyone. I don't underestimate anybody, try to give them my best."
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