Federer delivers express win

World number one Roger Federer began his quest for a fourth consecutive US Open title by beating Scoville Jenkins in just 92 minutes.

Defending champion crushes qualifier

World number one Roger Federer began his quest for a fourth consecutive US Open title by beating Scoville Jenkins in just 92 minutes.

Federer enjoyed a 6-3 6-2 6-4 success against the 320th-ranked US qualifier, his 22nd straight victory on the hardcourts of Flushing Meadows.

"It always feels kind of a relief to get through the first one," Federer said in a courtside interview.

"It was tough. Scoville is a good player and I'm happy to get through. Now hopefully I can relax a little."

The Swiss player faces either Rainer Schuettler or Paul Capdeville in the second round.

Ancic withdraws

Third seed Novak Djokovic enjoyed an unexpected break when his scheduled first-round opponent Mario Ancic was forced to withdraw.

Ancic, who was ninth in the world before a bout of glandular fever saw him miss six months and consequently slide down the rankings, pulled out due to a shoulder injury.

Djokovic will now face a much easier opening match - on paper at least - against lucky loser Robin Haase.

Ferrero out, world still turning

The first seeded casualty from the men's draw was No.21 Juan Carlos Ferrero, who was beaten in straight sets by his fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez.

Ferrero, who was beaten in the final at Flushing Meadows four years ago, was philosophical about his early exit.

"I served so badly today," he said. "The balls here don't help me because I like to hit with a lot of spin but when you hit the ball it's like they are dead.

"If you can serve big and hit the ball flat, it's better."

"It's just another tournament. I know it's a grand slam, but I lost in the second round here last year. The world is still turning."

Baghdatis falls

No.18 seed Marcos Baghdatis soon followed Ferrero through the exit door with a four-set defeat to Max Mirnyi.

It was a frustrating day for the former Australian Open finalist as he went down 6-3 7-5 3-6 7-6 against big-serving Belarussian Mirnyi.

Elsewhere on the opening day, No.13 seed Richard Gasquet and No.10 seed Tommy Haas both made progress.

Gasquet, who is on course to meet Federer in the fourth round, defeated Sergio Roitman 7-5 6-1 6-2, while Haas downed Steve Darcis 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 6-3 6-4.