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Carlos Alcaraz defeated Roman Safiullin of Russia in straight sets to start his title defense in style.
Carlos Alcaraz is back after a four-month injury absence. (AP Photo)
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz made a winning return to the US Open on Monday, defeating Russian Roman Safiullin in straight sets in his first match after a four-month injury layoff.
Alcaraz, who had been sidelined by a wrist injury since April, overcame Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Women’s defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also advanced safely to the second round.
“It’s been a really tough five months for me,” Alcaraz said.
“Being able to step on the Arthur Ashe, being able to compete again, I couldn’t decide to come back in a better tournament. It’s a really special place for me.
“I tried to enjoy as much as I can. I missed the crowd, I missed the energy, I missed competition. I missed everything.”
Alcaraz is seeking to finish his season with another major title after winning the Australian Open in January and becoming the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion was not at his best throughout Monday’s contest, but his forehand grew more powerful as the match progressed, while his touch around the net remained a feature of his game.
“I think the level of tennis is going to be better for sure,” said Alcaraz, who said he was most proud that he was able to quell his own doubts about his fitness.
“I tried to forget everything, I tried to enjoy,” he said.
Alcaraz’s return came less than 24 hours after Novak Djokovic suffered his earliest Grand Slam exit in 20 years, losing to Mariano Navone in five punishing sets.
Top-ranked Jannik Sinner is also absent from the tournament with a knee injury, while Djokovic’s departure eliminated another potential challenge for Alcaraz, who could have faced the Serb in the semi-finals.
Sabalenka stays aggressive
Sabalenka entered the tournament seeking a rare US Open three-peat amid a worrying dip in form, but the Belarusian responded with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Camila Osorio.
Although she committed 23 unforced errors, Sabalenka struck 32 winners to offset them. Her powerful groundstrokes proved decisive against an opponent who relied on counter-punching and raised her level in the second set.
“She brought the fight,” Sabalenka said. “She battled really well and I just tried to stay as aggressive as possible.
“I think I played great. She’s a tough opponent, makes you work really hard to get every point, so I’m happy that I was able to close the match in straight sets,” she added.
Sabalenka has not reached a final since winning the prestigious “Sunshine Double” at Indian Wells and Miami in March.
Japan’s Naomi Osaka also advanced after a demanding encounter with Russian Anastasia Zakharova, winning 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/3) in just over two hours.
Poland’s six-time Grand Slam singles champion Iga Swiatek moved into the second round with a straight-sets victory over China’s Wang Xiyu.
The eighth-seeded Swiatek, who defeated Sabalenka en route to her only US Open title in 2022, beat Wang 6-2, 6-3 in 1hr 28min.
Frenchman Arthur Fils was unable to build on his first ATP Masters title in Cincinnati, falling to Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1, 6-4.
Tsitsipas claimed his first victory over 22-year-old Fils in six meetings.
“I am speechless, I don’t know what to say,” said Tsitsipas, a former top five player who has slumped to 53 in the world. “It’s an amazing start to the tournament.”
Canadian third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime also progressed, defeating Australia’s Rinky Hijikata 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.
American eighth seed Ben Shelton recovered from a difficult opening set to beat the Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 in the night match at Arthur Ashe.
Griekspoor took control early with three breaks of serve, but Shelton turned the match around and secured victory in 2hr 35min.
“Started off with a little bit of nerves tonight, but I found my rhythm,” Shelton said.
With AFP Inputs
Quick Answers
Ask News18Aryna Sabalenka is seeking a rare US Open three-peat at the 2026 tournament. However, she enters the competition amid a worrying dip in form, having not reached a singles final since winning the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments in March 2026. While she successfully advanced to the second round with a straight-sets victory over Camila Osorio, she struggled with 23 unforced errors during the match.
Ask News18About the Author
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
September 01, 2026, 12:03 IST
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