World number one Jannik Sinner began his bid for back-to-back US Open titles with an emphatic victory on Tuesday as women's draw favourite Iga Swiatek swept into the second round.
Italian star Sinner rattled through his first round tie with Czech Vit Kopriva with a minimum of fuss, needing just an hour and 38 minutes to record a 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 victory over the world number 89.
"It feels great to be back here. Obviously it's a very special tournament," said Sinner, who is attempting to become the first man to repeat as US Open champion since Roger Federer won five in a row from 2004-2008.
Sinner, 24, faces Alexei Popyrin in the next round.
"I'm very happy that I'm healthy again," said Sinner, who was forced to retire from last week's Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz.
"I have amazing memories (from last year). Every year is different. You come here starting this tournament hopefully in the best possible way, which I did," he added.
Sinner's blistering start on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court was matched by Poland's Swiatek, who was similarly emphatic in a 6-1, 6-2 rout of Colombia's Emiliana Arango.
The 24-year-old from Poland was always in control against 84th-ranked Arango, overwhelming the Colombian with some powerful groundstrokes mixed with some deft work at the net.
The win makes Swiatek the first woman in history to win 65 consecutive WTA-level first round matches, surpassing Monica Seles' previous record of 64. (AFP)