After a 139-day absence from the ATP circuit, Carlos Alcaraz returns to the court with a convincing victory at the 2026 US Open. The Spanish tennis player defeated Roman Safiulli in three sets, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 , after 2 hours and 22 minutes of play.
The match did not start easily for the world number 2, who struggled in the first game. However, Alcaraz found his rhythm and got the decisive break to win the first set 6-4.
In the second, Safiullin reacted and took a 2-0 lead, but the Spaniard's response was immediate. Alcaraz returned the break, took the opponent's serve again and closed this set with a score of 6-4.
In the third set, the Spaniard once again showed his fighting mentality. He saved three break points in the first game and then broke Safiullin's serve, taking control of the match.
Three sets, three times 6-4 and a successful comeback for Carlos Alcaraz. In the second round, the Spaniard awaits the Portuguese Faria.
There were no surprises in the other challenges, with Mensik, Auger Aliasime, Shelton and Tiafoe qualifying for the next round.
Meanwhile, in the women's tournament, world number one Aryna Sabalenka easily won in two sets against Colombian Osorio 6:2 and 6:6. Anisimova, Swiatek and Naomi Osaka also secured a ticket to the next round.
