Novak Djokovic will replace young rival Carlos Alcaraz as the men’s world number one after a routine win on his US Open return.

The 36-year-old, who has spent 389 weeks atop the ATP world rankings over the course of his career, clinched a return to the sport’s apex with his 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 first-round win over Alexandre Muller at the US Open.

However, the 23-time Grand Slam champion appeared nothing but happy following his first win on Arthur Ashe Stadium since the 2021 semi-final.

The Serbian was not allowed to play in the United States last year because he was not vaccinated against Covid-19.

“I knew it was going to be a late night for me, late start of the match. Nevertheless, I mean, I was excited to go out on the court,” said Djokovic.

He continued, “I didn’t care if I started after midnight because I was looking forward to this moment for few years, to be out on the biggest stadium in our sport, the loudest stadium in our sport, playing night session.

“Everyone knows in tennis that night sessions at Arthur Ashe definitely are the most exciting, fun, loud, energetic sessions you can have out there on the tennis world.”

He has returned knowing another title will be a record-equalling 24th major.

Matching Australian Margaret Court’s all-time tally is Djokovic’s target and he made a statement start by breezing past 84th-ranked Muller.

“I think the performance explains how I felt tonight, particularly in the first two sets. It was kind of lights-out tennis really, almost flawless, perfect first set.

“I’ve probably had the answer for every shot he had in his book. Overall I’m very, very pleased with the way I feel, with the way I’m playing.

“Hopefully I can maintain that level. It’s just the beginning of the tournament, but I already like the level of tennis.”

Djokovic now moves onto the second round in New York, where he will play Bernabe Zapata Miralles in a first time meeting on Wednesday.