Tuesday 26 August 2014 15:33, UK
Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic is through to the second round of the US Open after a comfortable 6-1 6-2 6-4 win over Diego Schwartzman in New York.
The top seed allayed concerns over his form with a convincing victory under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium Court and will next face Paul-Henri Mathieu of France.
Djokovic arrived in Cincinnati on the back of early defeats in Toronto and Cincinnati and it has been suggested he may have lost focus slightly, having married his long-term partner Jelena since his Wimbledon heroics – the couple are expecting their first child in October.
However, the Serbian was quickly on top against Argentinean Schwartzman, racing into a 4-0 lead.
Schwartzman then managed a break, imploring the big crowd to get behind him after a fine lob and a forehand winner got him on the board.
However, he did not win another game until he finally held his serve when 2-0 down in the second set.
Djokovic was playing well from the back of the court and delighted the crowd with an incredible winner which went round the net post.
His level dropped somewhat in the final set but he was still too strong and completed victory in an hour and 37 minutes, a lucky net cord sealing the win.
The seven-time grand slam winner, who triumphed at Flushing Meadows in 2011, finished with 24 winners, including seven aces.
"I'm very pleased,” said Djokovic. “It's never easy to start a US Open smoothly.
“I love playing night sessions, it's probably the most special court in the world for night sessions.
"I didn't have much time to think about tennis with all that has been happening. It is a new chapter for my wife and I, and we are very excited.
"The last three weeks actually, Toronto and Cincinnati, were a bit tough emotionally for me. I wasn't finding my game, I wasn't able to feel comfortable on the court.
"I probably was not mentally ready to still compete at a high level but now it's different. I feel emotionally recharged and ready to go."
