US Open: Alcaraz makes winning return as Tsitsipas shocks Fils and Sabalenka and Swiatek advance
Carlos Alcaraz played a competitive singles match for the first time in more than four months and did not appear to miss a beat, prevailing 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 over Russia's Roman Safiullin to begin his US Open title defence in New York. Before the final Grand Slam of the season, the Spaniard hadn't played since the ATP 500 event in Barcelona last April, where he injured his right wrist. Alcaraz missed…
Carlos Alcaraz made a strong return to competitive play at the US Open, defeating Russia's Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in his first singles match since April. The Spanish player, who had missed the French Open and Wimbledon, expressed satisfaction with his performance and readiness for the Grand Slam tournament. Safiullin, who served nine aces, conceded the match after Alcaraz saved five of six break points and converted four of seven break opportunities. Alcaraz will face Jaime Faria of Portugal in the second round.
In other matches, Stefanos Tsitsipas upset 10th seed Arthur Fils of France 4-6, 7-6, 6-1, 6-4, marking his first round win after a successful summer on clay. Russian players Valentin Vacherot and Andrey Rublev also secured wins, with Vacherot defeating Aleksandar Kovacevic and Rublev overcoming Otto Virtanen in a five-set battle. American Alex Michelsen advanced to the second round after defeating Federico Cina, while Belgian eighth seed Iga Swiatek maintained her position after a straight sets win over Katie Volynets.
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