Carlos Alcaraz looks ominous in Miami opener as Alexander Zverev exits early

The Spaniard, who last year become the youngest World No 1 in history after capturing his first Grand Slam title at the US Open, missed this year's Australian Open through injury but has wasted little time in reasserting himself since making his comeback.

Fresh from a stunning performance at Indian Wells that saw him win the title without dropping a set, Alcaraz returned to the court in Miami on Friday to dispatch Bagnis in just 66 minutes, breaking the Argentinian's serve six times in all in the 6-0 6-2 win.

"It is different to be back here as a defending champion," he said. "Obviously, it is great to play here. I would say it is no different to play a first round here than last year. I would say the only difference is that I played in the center court and last year I was not there. It's that difference only.

"I always say the same when I come into a tournament, for me, it is a new tournament. It's day by day, round by round, try to play my best every day, try to enjoy every match as well. That's the only goal and only thoughts on my mind in every match."

Elsewhere, there was a big win for Taro Daniel over Alexander Zverev, with the Japanese player earning a surprise 6-0, 6-4 over the former World No 2.

Still on the comeback trail following his season-ending injury in the Roland Garros semi-finals last year, Zverev produced an erratic performance, hitting 32 unforced errors to Daniel's 13.

"In the first set he was struggling and I just didn't want to let him get his rhythm back," Daniel said. "Sometimes it's a matter of letting them keep playing badly. It's a little bit of a dirty fight."

Fourth seed Casper Ruud enjoyed better fortunes against World No 80 Ilya Ivashka, easing into the third round with a 6-2, 6-3 win.

Ruud has not had a great start to the season, and will be looking to claim consecutive wins for the first time in 2023 when he meets 26th seed Botic van de Zandschulp in the next round.

"I want to believe one match will turn it around but there are still a lot of matches to be played with a lot of good players left in the tournament," he said. "It's been almost two weeks since I've played a match after taking an early loss in Indian Wells. I worked hard and came into Miami with great memories from last year."

In other results, seventh seed Holger Rune clinched a 6-3 7-5 win over Hungarian Marton Fucsovics, while Bulgaria's 21st seed Grigor Dimitrov came from a set down to defeat German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff 4-6 7-6(5) 6-4.