Novak Djokovic returns to world number one after US Open first round win

BACK AT NUMBER ONE: Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, returns a shot to Alexandre Muller, of France, during the first round of the US Open in New York. Pic: AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

Novak Djokovic secured a return to the world number one spot with a near flawless late-night performance at the US Open.

The 36-year-old Serbian, who missed last year's tournament due to not being vaccinated against covid, swept past France's Alexandre Muller 6-0 6-2 6-3.