US Open 2026 results: Carlos Alcaraz beats Roman Safiullin on singles return
BBC • • sports
Key Points:
- Carlos Alcaraz returned to competitive tennis after a 139-day break due to a wrist injury, winning his first-round US Open match against Roman Safiullin in straight sets (6-4, 6-4, 6-4).
- Despite some struggles with his serve, Alcaraz displayed his trademark forehand and energy, expressing joy at being back on court and competing in front of a crowd.
- Alcaraz acknowledged doubts about his stamina for best-of-five-set matches but is confident he will improve with more match play throughout the tournament.
- The defending champion's draw has opened up due to the absence of top players like world number one Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic's early exit, improving Alcaraz's chances of advancing deep into the tournament.
- Alcaraz is set to face Portugal's Jaime Faria next and could potentially meet only one other top-10 player, Ben Shelton, before the semi-finals, with top seed Alexander Zverev positioned on the opposite side of the draw.
