Murray breezes through opener at Challenger Tour event in Mallorca

World No 1 breezes past Carballes Baena as Evans joins him in second round

Defending champion Novak Djokovic made short work of Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena to reach the second round at the US Open last night.

The world No 1 and top seed, bidding for a 17th grand slam title, won 6-4 6-1 6-4 in just under two hours.

“It’s great to be back,” said Djokovic, who has never lost in the first round at Flushing Meadows.

“I’m obviously grateful that at this stage of my life and my career that I’m still able to play at this level on this special court. I’ve never faced Carballes Baena before, he’s solid from the back of the court so I’m pleased with my performance.

“Obviously getting out of the blocks takes a bit of time, but in the first set I had some break points and managed to capitalise on the big moments. I know what I need to do, to keep going.”

Daniil Medvedev is Djokovic’s likely quarter-final opponent and the fifth seed from Russia cruised past Prajnesh Gunneswaran.

Medvedev, who beat Djokovic on his way to winning in Cincinnati earlier this month, won 6-4 6-1 6-2.

Dan Evans became the first British male through after a four-set win over Adrian Mannarino of France.

The British No 2, who reached the third round on his last visit to Flushing Meadows three years ago, triumphed 6-4 6-3 2-6 6-3 in a shade over three hours.

Elsewhere, Japanese seventh seed Kei Nishikori raced into the second round when he took a 6-1 4-1 lead before Argentine opponent Marco Trungelliti, 29, retired with a back problem.

“It’s a little bit sad to see. He’s a great player,” said Nishikori, who faces 108th-ranked American Bradley Klahn in the next round.

“I played great tennis from the beginning and I’m happy with the way I played.

“But honestly, I wanted to play a little more because I was feeling good on the court and I wanted to get a little more confidence.”

American Denis Kudla moved into the second round with a 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (5) 6-1 victory over Serbian Janko Tipsarevic, who was competing in his final Grand Slam. The former world No 8 and two-time US Open quarter-finalist announced last week that he will retire at the end of the season.