New York (AFP) – Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz didn't miss a beat as he returned from a four-month injury absence with a straight-sets first-round victory in the US Open on Monday.
Issued on: 31/08/2026 - 23:26
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Out of action with a wrist injury since April, Alcaraz passed his first test with flying colors, beating Russian Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where women's defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also made it safely into 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," he added. "I missed the crowd, I missed the energy, I missed competition. I missed everything."Alcaraz is trying to bookend his season with Grand Slam titles after his Australian Open triumph in January made him the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.
Aryna Sabalenka overcame Camila Osorio of Colombia during their first round US Open match © Patrick Smith / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
