Alexander Zverev secured a routine win in the first round of the US Open, marking a solid return to Grand Slam action after his early exit at Wimbledon.

World number three Zverev defeated Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4, in a match lasting just over two hours, claiming victory on his first match point shortly after midnight.

“It wasn’t great at times to be very honest, but, you know, I’m through. I wanted straight sets. That’s the most important thing,” Zverev said after the match. “It also is very important that I’m finishing at 1 am and not at 3 am.”

The German set the tone from the start, immediately breaking Tabilo’s serve and maintaining control throughout.

Next up for Zverev is a second-round clash with Britain’s Jacob Fearnley, whom he defeated earlier this season en route to the Australian Open final.