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. “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.”
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.
Alcaraz Advances After Djokovic’s Exit
Carlos Alcaraz expressed confidence in his performance following a significant win, stating, “I think the level of tennis is going to be better for sure.” He highlighted his ability to overcome doubts about his fitness as a source of pride. The tournament faced challenges with the absence of top-ranked Jannik Sinner, who withdrew due to a knee injury. Additionally, Novak Djokovic’s exit has cleared a path for Alcaraz, who could have faced the Serbian star in the semi-finals.
