World number one Kim Clijsters began her bid for a first grand slam title in style on Monday, taming American wildcard Amber Lui 6-2 6-3 in the first round.

The hot favourite for the title, following the withdrawals of defending champion Serena Williams and her sister twice winner Venus, Clijsters got off to a stuttering start against her 290th ranked opponent.

But in the end, Clijsters needed just 62 minutes to reach the second round.

On a night marking the 25th anniversary of Flushing Meadows and honouring Pete Sampras, Lui added her small contribution to the celebration of American tennis by breaking the Belgian at the first opportunity then holding serve to take a surprise 2-0 lead.

But Clijsters quickly steadied herself, sweeping the next six games to take the opening set.

The 20 year-old Belgian maintained the pressure in second, allowing Lui to hold her opening serve before rolling through another four games to take control of the match.

The winner of six titles this season, Clijsters will next face American Laura Granville.

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