Holger Rune avoided another early exit in New York as he overcame Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 to reach the second round of the US Open on Monday.

The 11th seed, who had lost in the opening round in 2023 and 2024, looked set for a routine win after taking a 4-0 lead in the third set, only to lose focus and allow the Dutchman back into the match.

Rune steadied himself in the tiebreak, however, sealing victory 7-2 to progress.

It was far from a convincing display from the Dane, who struggled with consistency and briefly required medical treatment for a stomach problem, but he ultimately took advantage of an opponent drained from a long week at Winston-Salem.

Rune will next face either Mackenzie McDonald or Jan-Lennard Struff in round two on Wednesday.