Five-time champion Roger Federer fired an ominous warning to his rivals after easing past Argentina's Brian Dabul in the first round of the US Open.
The Swiss thrilled the New York crowd with a 6-1 6-4 6-2 victory, in which he managed to recreate his famous through-the-legs winner after a Dabul lob.
Federer previously played the shot in last year's semi-final against Novak Djokovic.
"I thought I was a bit late and had to give it one last push to get there but thought 'I could do this again'," he explained.
"It's different because Novak was at the net but I've only hit a few in my life and to do two on Centre Court in night sessions is amazing."
Speaking about his hopes of winning a 17th Grand Slam title, Federer added: "I feel very much at home here, I've always played some good tennis, six straight finals and would like to go there again this year and I'm excited to be back and playing well."
Meanwhile, there was an early exit for 2001 champion Lleyton Hewitt after the Australian lost 6-3 6-4 5-7 4-6 6-1 to Paul-Henri Mathieu.
The 29-year-old former world number one dismissed suggestions of impending retirement despite his early exit.
Fifth seed Robin Soderling was taken to five sets by Austrian qualifier Andreas Haider-Maurer before winning 7-5 6-3 6-7 (2-7) 5-7 6-4.
Sixth seed Nikolay Davydenko and home favourite Andy Roddick were other winners after overcoming Michael Russell and Stephane Robert respectively.
British number one and fourth seed Andy Murray begins his campaign against Lukas Lacko on Wednesday.