DJOKOVIC BEATS ALEXANDRE MULLER

Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a 24th Grand Slam title began with little trouble at the US Open as he needed just 96 minutes to see off Alexandre Muller.

The Serb secured a 6-0 6-2 6-3 victory after winning his first eight games in a row. Djokovic, who said he "had the answer for every shot he had in his book", will next face unseeded Spaniard Bernabe Zapata Miralles.

Novak Djokovic booked his place in the second round of the US Open after a "lights-out" display saw him cruise past Alexandre Muller.

The world No. 2 kicked off his campaign in New York in blistering fashion, seeing off his French opponent 6-0 6-2 6-3 in just 96 minutes.

Djokovic, winner of the Australian and French Open titles earlier in the year saw his chances of a Calendar Slam dashed with defeat in the Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz but appeared to have to buried that loss deep in his mind as he took on Muller.

"It was a great joy to be stepping out on the court," said Djokovic, who couldn't play in the United States last year because he is not vaccinated against Covid-19.

"I think the performance explains how I felt tonight, particularly in the first two sets. It was kind of lights-out tennis really, 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.