Novak Djokovic to return to world No 1 after racing into US Open second round

Novak Djokovic will return to the top of the world rankings after an emphatic late-night victory in the first round of the US Open on Monday.

Second seed Djokovic, who was forced to miss last year's US Open over Covid-related travel restrictions and therefore has no ranking points to defend, eased to a 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 win against France's Alexandre Muller in just one hour and 35 minutes.

The win means Djokovic is guaranteed to replace defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz as world No 1 when the tennis rankings are next updated after the tournament.

Entering Arthur Ashe Stadium after 11pm local time, Djokovic began like a player determined to get off the court as quickly as possible.

Djokovic, a three-time US Open champion, reeled off the opening eight games before Muller belatedly got on the board, earning sympathetic applause from a crowd including former US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle.

The 36-year-old Serb, chasing a record-extending 24th male Grand Slam title, will face Spain's Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the second round.

"I didn't care if I started after midnight because I was looking forward to this moment for a few years, to be out on the biggest stadium in our sport, the loudest stadium in our sport, playing night session," Djokovic said. "It was a great joy to be stepping out on the court.

"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.

"Overall I'm very, very pleased with the way I feel, with the way I'm playing. Hopefully I can maintain that level."

Coco Gauff came through an ill-tempered first-round match against Laura Siegemund. AP

Djokovic's arrival on court had been