Alcaraz Makes Winning US Open Return as Sabalenka and Swiatek Advance

Posted : 01 September 2026

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz made an impressive return to competitive singles action at the 2026 US Open, defeating Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the first round. The Spaniard had been sidelined for around four months with a wrist injury but showed little sign of rust during his opening match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Alcaraz gradually found his rhythm as the contest progressed, combining his powerful forehand with his trademark touch around the net. Although he admitted to feeling nervous before stepping onto the court, the 23-year-old was pleased to finish the match without experiencing pain in his wrist.

The victory marked Alcaraz's first singles appearance in 139 days. It also continued his perfect record at Grand Slam tournaments in 2026, with the Spaniard having already won the Australian Open earlier this year to complete his career Grand Slam at the youngest age achieved by a male player.

Alcaraz is now through to the second round, where he will face Portugal's Jaime Faria. With Novak Djokovic already eliminated in the opening round and Jannik Sinner absent because of injury, Alcaraz's route toward another US Open title has opened up considerably.

Meanwhile, defending women's champion Aryna Sabalenka began her bid for a third consecutive US Open title with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Camila Osorio. The Belarusian produced 32 winners despite making 23 unforced errors, relying on her aggressive baseline game to secure a straight-sets win.

Naomi Osaka also advanced after overcoming Anastasia Zakharova in two closely contested tiebreak sets, winning 7-6(8-6), 7-6(7-3). The match lasted more than two hours before Osaka finally secured her place in the second round.

Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek also progressed comfortably. The eighth seed defeated China's Wang Xiyu 6-2, 6-3 in 88 minutes to continue her campaign in New York. (

There was also a notable upset on the men's side as Stefanos Tsitsipas recovered from losing the opening set to defeat 10th seed and Cincinnati champion Arthur Fils 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-4. The result gave Tsitsipas his first victory over Fils in six meetings.

American eighth seed Ben Shelton also survived a difficult start against Tallon Griekspoor. After dropping the opening set 6-1, Shelton turned the match around to win 1-6, 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2 and reach the second round. (Reuters)

Alcaraz Makes Winning US Open Return as Sabalenka and Swiatek Advance

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics