Queens, NY—–Carlos Alcaraz made an encouraging return to the U.S. Open on Monday, defeating Roman Safiullin in straight sets and showing no obvious signs of the right wrist injury that had kept him out since April.
The second-seeded Spaniard won 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium, gradually finding his rhythm and producing the energetic, creative tennis that has made him one of the tournament’s biggest attractions.
Alcaraz, 23, frequently interacted with the New York crowd throughout the match, raising his hand to his ear to ask for more noise and celebrating a stylish volley winner during the final game.
“I’m just really happy that I was able to compete again,” Alcaraz said. “I think the level of tennis is going to be better for sure. I’m just really happy with the level that I played my first match.”
The victory immediately puts Alcaraz among the players to watch in a tournament that has already experienced major surprises. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner is missing because of a knee injury, while four-time U.S. Open champion Novak Djokovic suffered a stunning first-round defeat Sunday.
Djokovic’s loss ended a remarkable run of 19 consecutive first-round victories at Flushing Meadows. It also marked his earliest exit from the tournament in his career.
With several major contenders already absent or eliminated, a healthy Alcaraz could emerge as one of the leading favorites to claim another championship in New York.
Earlier Monday, Aryna Sabalenka also began her title defense with a straight-set victory. The top-ranked women’s player defeated Camila Osorio 6-4, 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Sabalenka is attempting to become the first player since Serena Williams won three consecutive U.S. Open titles from 2012 through 2014 to capture the championship three years in a row.
The Belarusian has reached the final in each of the past three editions of the tournament. After losing to Coco Gauff in the 2023 final, she won the title in 2024 before successfully defending it last year against Amanda Anisimova.
“I feel like this is one of my favorite stadiums,” Sabalenka told the crowd. “I really experienced the best emotions here in this stadium.”
Her outfit also attracted attention. Sabalenka wore an orange Nike ensemble featuring orange mesh, a change from the black mesh she wore during last week’s mixed doubles appearance alongside Djokovic.
The change was apparently less intentional than it appeared.
Sabalenka explained that she had initially believed she only had a black-and-orange outfit before discovering that Nike had provided separate designs for day and night sessions.
On the court, the victory was particularly welcome after a difficult stretch leading into the tournament. Sabalenka lost in the fourth round at both Toronto and Cincinnati, following another fourth-round exit at Wimbledon.
Those results have also put her hold on the No. 1 ranking in jeopardy. Elena Rybakina, currently ranked second, would overtake Sabalenka by reaching the semifinals. Rybakina could also claim the top spot without winning another match if Sabalenka fails to win the U.S. Open.
Alcaraz entered the tournament with some recent match experience after competing in the mixed doubles competition with Serena Williams. The pair won their opening match before being eliminated, giving Alcaraz a brief opportunity to shake off some of his rust.
Several other Grand Slam champions were also scheduled to compete Monday, including Naomi Osaka and Iga Swiatek. Stan Wawrinka, the 2016 U.S. Open champion, was also in action against Matteo Berrettini as he began what is expected to be his final Grand Slam appearance.
