Carlos Alcaraz returns to U.S. Open with straight-sets win over Roman Safiullin
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 10:35 PM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026
Carlos Alcaraz returned to competition on Monday at Arthur Ashe Stadium following a 139-day absence due to a wrist injury. The Spanish player defeated Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the first round of the U.S. Open. While Alcaraz recorded 28 winners, he noted that his serve remained a work in progress, citing two aces and five double faults during the match. The two-time champion participated while wearing a compression sleeve on his right arm and expressed satisfaction with his physical condition after the match. Alcaraz, the second seed, is now scheduled to face Jaime Faria in the second round on Wednesday. The tournament field has seen significant changes, including the absence of Jannik Sinner and the first-round elimination of Novak Djokovic.
- •Carlos Alcaraz defeated Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the U.S. Open first round.
- •The match marked Alcaraz's first singles appearance since sustaining a wrist injury in April.
- •Alcaraz recorded 28 winners while playing with a compression sleeve on his right arm.
- •The second-seeded Spaniard will play Jaime Faria in the second round on Wednesday.
- 10:35 PMThe Guardian Sport — Carlos Alcaraz sinks Roman Safiullin in impressive return to action at US Open
- 10:28 PMYahoo Sports — 'I felt the love' - how did Alcaraz look on winning singles return?
- 10:28 PMBBC Sport — 'I felt the love' - how did Alcaraz look on winning singles return?
- 10:27 PMYahoo Sports — Carlos Alcaraz returns from wrist injury, begins U.S. Open title defense with first-round win
"Spaniard wins 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in first-round match Alcaraz back after months out of action with injury As Carlos Alcaraz edged closer to the conclusion of his first singles set in more than four and a half months, like so many times in his career instinct took over. Up 5-4, 30-15 in set one, Alcaraz swept forward to the net behind a precise wide serve and, when his opponent Roman Safiullin responded with a dipping backhand return directly to his feet, Alcaraz delicately pushed a half-volley over the net for a winner. It was a gorgeous shot, a perfect example of the creativity and feel trademarked by Alcaraz that has been missed throughout his extended injury layoff. That touch of genius was followed, predictably, by a wide smile, a quick hold and a comprehensive victory as the Spaniard returned to competition with a stellar 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win against Safiullin. Continue reading...
"Carlos Alcaraz took the Arthur Ashe Stadium court Monday dressed in a brown shirt and matching shorts, a far cry from the vibrant pink and purple wardrobe he donned throughout last year’s run to the U.S. Open championship. That was fitting, perhaps, because Alcaraz had more than four months of rust to shake off. Monday afternoon’s first-round victory over Roman Safiullin in straight sets ...
"After a 139-day wait, Carlos Alcaraz makes a winning return to the singles court as he beats Roman Safuillin in the US Open first round.
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportAug 31, 2026, 10:35 PMCarlos Alcaraz sinks Roman Safiullin in impressive return to action at US Open
Spaniard wins 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in first-round match Alcaraz back after months out of action with injury As Carlos Alcaraz edged closer to the conclusion of his first singles set in more than four and a half months, like so many times in his career instinct took over. Up 5-4, 30-15 in set one, Alcaraz swept forward to the net behind a precise wide serve and, when his opponent Roman Safiullin responded with a dipping backhand return directly to his feet, Alcaraz delicately pushed a half-volley over the net for a winner. It was a gorgeous shot, a perfect example of the creativity and feel trademarked by Alcaraz that has been missed throughout his extended injury layoff. That touch of genius was followed, predictably, by a wide smile, a quick hold and a comprehensive victory as the Spaniard returned to competition with a stellar 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win against Safiullin. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 10:28 PM'I felt the love' - how did Alcaraz look on winning singles return?
After a 139-day wait, Carlos Alcaraz makes a winning return to the singles court as he beats Roman Safuillin in the US Open first round.
- BBC SportAug 31, 2026, 10:28 PM'I felt the love' - how did Alcaraz look on winning singles return?
After a 139-day wait, Carlos Alcaraz makes a winning return to the singles court as he beats Roman Safuillin in the US Open first round.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 10:27 PMCarlos Alcaraz returns from wrist injury, begins U.S. Open title defense with first-round win
Carlos Alcaraz took the Arthur Ashe Stadium court Monday dressed in a brown shirt and matching shorts, a far cry from the vibrant pink and purple wardrobe he donned throughout last year’s run to the U.S. Open championship. That was fitting, perhaps, because Alcaraz had more than four months of rust to shake off. Monday afternoon’s first-round victory over Roman Safiullin in straight sets ...
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