Tennis-Holder Djokovic safely into U.S. Open second round

Novak Djokovic began his U.S. Open title defense in style with a 6-4 6-1 6-4 win over Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena in the first-round action on Monday.

The top-seeded Serbian, who has claimed four of the last five Grand Slam titles, took some time to settle in to his first career meeting with Carballes Baena but after a tight first set was off to the races. Djokovic got an early break to go-ahead 2-0 in the second set and never looked back as the three-times champion used a mix of deft volleys, solid movement and great instincts to secure the win.

Up next for Djokovic will be either American Sam Querrey or Argentine Juan Ignacio Londero.