Carlos Alcaraz wins opening match as he begins US Open title defence
Reigning champion Alcaraz defeated Roman Safiulin in straight sets and advances to the second round in New York.
Carlos Alcaraz began his defence of the US Open title with a straight-sets victory, defeating Roman Safiulin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the second round in New York on August 31, 2026.
Alcaraz missed much of the season after withdrawing from the Barcelona tournament on April 16, 2026, because of a right wrist injury. He did not play at Roland Garros or Wimbledon while recovering.
Controlled return on the big stage
The reigning champion looked largely composed against Safiulin, closing all three sets in identical 6-4 scores and finishing the match in under two and a half hours. Alcaraz secured breaks in the first and third sets; the second set proved to be the only one with more uncertainty.
Safiulin briefly threatened a comeback when he led 2-0 in the second set, but he was unable to capitalise and Alcaraz restored control to seal the win. With this result Alcaraz evened their head-to-head record to 2-1.
Alcaraz will face Portuguese player Jaime Faria in the second round. Also advancing to round two were Alex Mikkelsen, Juri Rodionov, Rey Sakamoto and Sebastian Grozni. In the women's draw, Sabalenka beat Osorio 6-2, 6-4.
Photo: press material from the event
