Carlos Alcaraz returned to competitive tennis on Monday, securing a straight-sets victory at the U.S. Open in New York following a four-and-a-half-month hiatus due to a right wrist injury. The 23-year-old Spanish player, seeded second, defeated Russia's Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the first round on Arthur Ashe Stadium, marking his first match since April.
Alcaraz had been sidelined by tenosynovitis, a condition involving inflammation and fluid buildup in the protective sheath of a crucial wrist tendon. The injury forced him to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this year. Despite the long break and uncertainty about his form, Alcaraz reported feeling pain-free and confident after the match. “From inside, my feeling was that I was hitting normal,” he said, describing the experience as a mix of nervousness and excitement but ultimately enjoyable. He aimed primarily to compete and see how his body would respond to the rigors of tournament play.
His performance appeared cautious but positive, with some reductions in shot speed and spin when compared to his pre-injury form. According to match data, Alcaraz’s average first serve speed was measured at 113 miles per hour, down from about 121 m.p.h. earlier in the season. His forehand maintained its velocity but with slightly less topspin. Despite these adjustments, Alcaraz delivered 28 winners, including 20 forehand winners, suggesting a willingness to rely on his signature shot—typically the most impacted by the wrist injury.
His next opponent in the second round will be Portugal’s Jaime Faria, with Alcaraz stating an openness about how far he might advance. “I don’t know if I’m going to make the second round, final,” he said. “What I really want to do is enjoy every time that I walk into the court feeling the energy from the people, feel the competition.”
Alcaraz’s return provides a boost to a men’s draw that saw the early exit of Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, who was stunned in the first round by Argentina’s Mariano Navone. Djokovic’s loss marked his first first-round defeat at the U.S. Open in two decades and came amid physical distress, including cramping and vomiting. Additionally, the men’s top-ranked player Jannik Sinner withdrew prior to the tournament due to a knee injury, leaving Alcaraz as a leading contender.
Meanwhile, on the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka, a two-time U.S. Open champion, also won her opening match against Camila Osorio 6-4, 6-4. Sabalenka continues her pursuit of a third consecutive U.S. Open title, a feat not achieved since Serena Williams did so from 2012 to 2014. Despite recent inconsistent performances at other tournaments, Sabalenka remains a significant presence, although her top ranking is under threat by Elena Rybakina, who can surpass her by reaching the semifinals.
Other notable players advancing included former champions Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, and Sloane Stephens, while the Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka played his final Grand Slam match before retirement.
Alcaraz’s comeback, marked by his distinctive long hair and a visibly strong performance, has generated optimism among fans and commentators. Frances Tiafoe, a fellow American and potential late-stage opponent, praised Alcaraz’s new look and his poised return. The tournament now looks to see how far Alcaraz can progress in defense of his U.S. Open title amid a field impacted by injuries and surprising early losses.