Carlos Alcaraz made a strong comeback at the US Open, overcoming Roman Safiullin in straight sets. The Spaniard showed no signs of his previous wrist injury. His performance comes as top rivals face setbacks.
Carlos Alcaraz marked his return to the US Open with a convincing win over Roman Safiullin, dispelling concerns about his right wrist injury that had kept him off the court since April. The match, held on Monday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, ended 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in favor of the No. 2 seed, who appeared increasingly assured as play progressed. Alcaraz, 23, demonstrated the dynamic style that has made him a favorite in New York, engaging the crowd and closing the match with a decisive volley.
His comeback comes at a moment of upheaval in the men’s draw. Top-ranked Jannik Sinner is absent due to a knee injury, and No. 4 Novak Djokovic suffered a rare first-round exit, breaking his perfect 19-0 record in US Open openers. With these unexpected developments, Alcaraz’s steady performance brought a sense of normalcy to the tournament, as noted by the Associated Press.
Alcaraz also participated in the mixed doubles event, partnering with Serena Williams. The pair managed to win one match before being eliminated, with Alcaraz showing some signs of rust in doubles play. Meanwhile, other former champions were in action, including 2016 winner Stan Wawrinka, who faced Matteo Berrettini as he began his final Grand Slam before retirement.
The tournament saw further surprises as No. 10 seed Arthur Fils, fresh from a title in Cincinnati, was defeated by Stefanos Tsitsipas. Tsitsipas, unseeded at the US Open for the first time, expressed optimism about regaining his top form after the four-set win.
The US Open, held annually in New York, is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments and attracts global attention. Spanish players have a strong tradition at the event, with Alcaraz’s recent success adding to the country’s tennis legacy. His return to form is closely watched, especially as the field opens up due to injuries and early exits among leading contenders. The outcome of this year’s tournament could have implications for rankings and the broader landscape of men’s tennis, with Alcaraz now positioned as a potential favorite in the absence of several top rivals.
