Vintage Roger Federer beats Donald Young in straight sets

Roger Federer's latest bid for his sixth US Open title has begun with a superb straight-sets win over American left-hander Donald Young.

The world number one, who was the men's champion at Flushing Meadows for five consecutive years until 2009, claimed the opening set in 27 minutes courtesy of a solitary break of serve.

Young did manage to break Federer's serve in the second set, however he failed to hold three times as the 31-year-old Swiss cruised into a two-set lead.

Federer was forced to battle in the third set, but he eventually converted his third match point to prevail 6-3 6-2 6-4.

Up next for Federer is a second-round contest with Germany's Bjorn Phau.