Nick Kyrgios makes quick work of good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis at US Open

Nick Kyrgios cast friendship aside to cruise into the US Open second round with a straight-sets dispatch of his grand slam-winning doubles partner Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Kyrgios broke Kokkinakis in each of the first two sets, then clinched the win in a tiebreaker to take bragging rights in the all-Australian affair 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday night.

The fuss-free victory, after Serena Williams’ drama-charged triumph in the preceding match, completed a fine opening day for Australia, with Alex de Minaur, Ajla Tomljanovic and Jordan Thompson also advancing.

Kokkinakis, John Millman – in five gruelling sets in scorching heat – and Daria Saville were the only casualties. Kyrgios, though, was the most impressive of the four winners.

Courtney Walsh’s full report from New York to follow.