Carlos Alcaraz shook off the rust and sent an early warning at the US Open with a storming victory

Carlos Alcaraz returned to Grand Slam singles action as the defending champion began his US Open title defense with a straight sets victory over Roman Safiullin. The Spaniard, playing his first singles match in more than four months after a wrist injury, defeated the Russian 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Alcaraz has not competed in singles since April and missed the French Open and Wimbledon due to injury. He also missed the Cincinnati Open, making his return in New York something of an unknown. Still, the second seed quickly showed that the long layoff hasn’t dampened much of his trademark aggressiveness and movement.

The victory extended Alcaraz’ impressive record at Flushing Meadows. He entered the tournament with a 24-3 record at the US Open, won the title in 2022 and 2025 and is now chasing his eighth Grand Slam crown.

The 23-year-old also arrived in New York with some mixed doubles momentum, having partnered Serena Williams earlier in the tournament. However, nothing could match the intensity of the singles match, especially against the player who had previously beaten him on the hard court in 2023.

After his win, Alcaraz said, “It’s been a really tough four or five months for me. Being able to come here at the US Open and compete again, I couldn’t have decided to come back to a better tournament than here in New York. It’s a really special place and a special tournament for me. I’m trying to enjoy it as much as I can. I’ve missed it. I’ve missed the crowd and the competition.”

ALCARAZ FINDS HIS RHYTHM AGAINST SAFIULLIN

Alcaraz was forced to negotiate an awkward opening before taking control. Safiullin created break opportunities early on, but the Spaniard repeatedly found answers with his serve and powerful forehand. At 3-3, he survived another scare before finally breaking through at 4-3, using a forehand winner to secure his first break.

Safiullin had opportunities to level the opening set, including two break points in the ninth game, but Alcaraz held firm. The set was finally sealed at 6-4 after the Russian made a backhand error. The opening 50 minutes offered an encouraging sign for a player returning after such a long absence.

The second set started with another test. Safiullin raced to 2-0, but Alcaraz immediately struck to restore parity. He then broke again for 4-3 and produced another forehand winner before closing out the set.

The third set had a similar course. Alcaraz had to save three break points in the second game and showed the defensive resilience that has become a defining feature of his game. Once he escaped, he broke Safiullin for 3-1 and never let his opponent back into the match.

Alcaraz’s ability to absorb pressure and then turn defense into offense was particularly impressive given the circumstances of his return. He looked increasingly comfortable as the match progressed, combining explosive forehands with sharp movements and clever changes of pace.

The straight-sets win also marked his eighth consecutive US Open victory and immediately boosted his standing as one of the leading contenders in the men’s draw, already shaken by Novak Djokovic’s first-round exit.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

1 Sep 2026 01:42 IST