Mayo co-manager Pat Holmes believes his players caught All-Ireland champions Kerry at the right time, suggesting his team's extra time to work on fitness was a factor in their league win in Killarney.
It's the fifth time in a row Kerry have lost their opening league game after lifting Sam Maguire. The team were on holiday in South Africa at the start of the month.
"We were happy with the way we played," Holmes told RTÉ Sport.
"Obviously, Kerry are only back from a team holiday three weeks ago. They wouldn't have the work done that other teams have. Being All-Ireland champions they needed a break.
"We were in some ways fearful coming down to Killarney in our first game but in other ways maybe happy we were getting them in the first game.
"We felt that they wouldn't have the work done and our fitness levels were a little ahead of theirs, which played a big role."
Mayo ran out seven-point winners as a third-quarter Kerry fightback petered out after Kevin McLaughlin scored the Connacht side's second goal.
"They're very hungry and eager to go again. We're delighted with the response that we've got." - Pat Holmes
"We were delighted to see it going in," said Holmes.
"It was nip and tuck at that stage and it gave us a bit of breathing space going into the final 20 minutes."
Holmes also saluted the impact of substitute Mickey Conroy, who scored four points from play after replacing Evan Regan.
Regan suffered a suspected broken collarbone and concussion after a nasty fall early in the game.
"He [Conroy] did superbly," said Holmes. "I'd say he was very disappointed he didn't start today but he came in and did very well."
Holmes also stated that he and co-manager Noel Connelly were delighted with the attitude of the players since taking over in the Autumn, despite a string of recent near-misses in the All-Ireland championship.
"Players are always optimists," Holmes said. "Obviously, they were bitterly disappointed to lose to Kerry in the semi-final replay.
"But they took time out and recharged the batteries. They're very hungry and eager to go again. We're delighted with the response that we've got.
"It's a very strong Division 1. We've got two points today. We know it's going to be very difficult against Tyrone next Sunday.
"They were beaten last night [by Monaghan] but they were very impressive in winning the McKenna Cup."
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