Carlos Alcaraz began his US Open title defense with a convincing 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win over Roman Safiullin on Monday, August 31, making a winning return to singles competition after four months out with a wrist injury.
The Spaniard had not played a singles match since April, raising questions over his physical condition and competitive level ahead of his return at Flushing Meadows. Against Safiullin, however, Alcaraz showed little sign of rust, controlling the match from the baseline and producing more than 20 forehand winners.
For the defending champion, the biggest positive was the condition of his wrist. Alcaraz said afterward that he was “pain-free” and felt he was playing normally, although he added that he would continue to manage the injury carefully as the tournament progresses.
“I’ve missed it, I miss the crowd energy, I miss the competition. I’m just really happy that I’m able to compete again,” Alcaraz said after the match.
“I’m pretty sure I’m going to get better and better every day. The most important thing I’m proud of was that mentally, I was able to deal with doubts,” he added.
The victory comes at an important moment in Alcaraz’s title defense. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament because of a knee injury, while 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the first round by Argentina’s Mariano Navone in five sets.
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Those results have opened up the draw, but Alcaraz still faces a difficult path to another US Open title. One of the biggest potential obstacles is American Ben Shelton, who has been in strong form and is seeded to meet Alcaraz in the quarterfinals if both players reach that stage.
Before looking that far ahead, Alcaraz must first get through a tricky second-round test against Portugal’s Jaime Faria.
Faria reached the second round after a demanding five-set victory over Jenson Brooksby on Sunday, August 30, winning 6-3, 7-6, 4-6, 1-6, 6-2.
Alcaraz and Faria will meet on Wednesday, September 2, at 4 p.m. Moroccan time.
