Carlos Alcaraz made a triumphant return to competitive tennis after spending 139 days sidelined with a wrist injury, securing a dominant straight-sets victory over Russia’s Roman Safiullin at the US Open on Monday. The defending champion claimed a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win on Arthur Ashe Stadium’s court in his first singles match since April, demonstrating he remains a formidable force despite his extended absence from competition.
Throughout the match, Alcaraz displayed the characteristic style that made him a seven-time major champion, showcasing his trademark forehand and executing delicate drop shots with precision. His serve, however, proved inconsistent, recording only two aces alongside five double faults. Despite wearing a compression sleeve on his right arm, Alcaraz celebrated each point with visible enthusiasm, demonstrating his joy at returning to professional competition. He spoke afterward about relishing the crowd’s energy and atmosphere, emphasizing his focus on enjoyment rather than immediate results.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz faces Portugal’s Jaime Faria in the next round, with a notably favorable draw. The absence of world number one Jannik Sinner due to a knee injury and Novak Djokovic’s shock first-round exit have cleared potential obstacles from his path. While Alcaraz acknowledged some lingering doubts regarding his stamina in extended matches, he expressed confidence that additional competition would restore his capabilities as the tournament progresses.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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