World number one Novak Djokovic began his pursuit of an 18th Grand Slam title with a straight-set win over Damir Dzumhur in the US Open first round.
The Serb, 33, raced through the opening set before being tested in the second on his way to a 6-1 6-4 6-1 win.
Djokovic is seeking to capitalise on the absence of fellow greats Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in New York.
Among those likely to challenge him are Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, who also won their openers.
Both of those players are chasing a maiden Grand Slam title, with Spain’s defending champion Nadal not playing because of coronavirus concerns and Swiss 20-time major champion Federer missing following knee surgery.
Djokovic will play Kyle Edmund in the second round after the British number two came from behind to beat Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik.
It will be the seventh meeting between the two – and their second at Flushing Meadows – with Edmund’s only victory over Djokovic coming on the Madrid clay in 2018.
“He has a really good serve and forehand, those are two big weapons,” said Djokovic. “I’ve had some really good matches in the past against him at Wimbledon, a tough four-setter a few years ago.
“He doesn’t feel so much pressure playing on the big court, obviously it’s different circumstances here, but he actually likes the challenge.
“His results were kind of up and down a little bit but I think he does have the game and the potential to be in the top 20 without a doubt, where I expect him to be soon.
“It’s going to be a tough one, I’m sure he has not so much to lose in that match and it’s important for me to start off well.”