Carlos Alcaraz made a winning return to singles competition on Monday, ending a 139-day wait with a straight-sets victory at the US Open.
The defending champion defeated Russia’s Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in his first singles match since suffering a wrist injury. The Spaniard showed little sign of rust as he began his title defence.
Alcaraz had missed almost five months of competitive singles action. He said he had been unsure how his body and mind would respond after such a long break.
“I just tried to play one game at a time and tried to feel good,” he told reporters.
Sabalenka starts title defence strongly
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka also opened her campaign with a convincing victory.
The defending champion defeated Colombia’s Camila Osorio 6-2, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
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Sabalenka is seeking a third consecutive US Open women’s singles title. The victory also ended a difficult run of form in which she had failed to reach a final since winning the Sunshine Double in March.
The Belarusian will face Russia’s Polina Iatcenko in the second round.
Anisimova celebrates birthday with victory
Amanda Anisimova also advanced in straight sets.
The American defeated compatriot Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 6-3 at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The victory came on Anisimova’s 25th birthday. She reached the final in New York last year before losing to Sabalenka.
Tsitsipas delivers major upset
Stefanos Tsitsipas produced one of the day’s biggest surprises.
The Greek defeated 10th seed and Cincinnati champion Arthur Fils 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-4.
Tsitsipas recovered after losing the opening set and then took control of the match.
He said the victory was important for his confidence after a difficult period.
“I’m ecstatic about today,” Tsitsipas said.
He will meet South African Lloyd Harris in the second round.
Swiatek and Muchova advance
Former champion Iga Swiatek also progressed.
The eighth seed defeated China’s Wang Xiyu 6-2, 6-3 in the night session.
Karolina Muchova began her campaign with a comfortable 6-3, 6-0 win over Sinja Kraus.
Linda Noskova also advanced after beating American Katie Volynets 7-5, 6-1.
Wawrinka says goodbye to Grand Slam tennis
Former US Open champion Stan Wawrinka suffered a straight-sets defeat to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini.
Berrettini won 7-6(4), 7-6(3), 6-0.
The defeat ended Wawrinka’s final US Open appearance. The 41-year-old Swiss has announced plans to retire at the end of the season.
American players Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe also advanced.
Shelton beat Tallon Griekspoor 1-6, 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2, while Tiafoe defeated fellow American Martin Damm in five sets.
The second day at Flushing Meadows produced several major results and kept the tournament’s leading contenders on course for deep runs.
