Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Alcaraz Returns With Victory as Tsitsipas Stuns Fils
Carlos Alcaraz returned to the US Open after being away for nearly five months with a wrist injury.
He beat Roman Safiullin in three straight sets.
Alcaraz hit many powerful forehand shots and controlled the important moments.
He said he was happy to feel the crowd and competition again.
His next opponent is Jaime Faria from Portugal.
Stefanos Tsitsipas also won his first-round match.
He surprised Arthur Fils, who had recently won the Cincinnati tournament.
Tsitsipas said changing coaches helped him feel calmer and more confident.
Other players, including Karolina Muchova, Emma Navarro, Taylor Townsend, and Zheng Qinwen, also won.
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz beat Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in his US Open first-round return.
Alcaraz had not played singles for 139 days because of a wrist injury and hit more than 20 forehand winners.
The Spaniard acknowledged having doubts but converted key break points and will next face Portugal’s Jaime Faria.
Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Cincinnati winner and 10th seed Arthur Fils 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-4.
Tsitsipas said changing coaches, including ending his relationship with his father, had brought greater calm and confidence.
- Who
- Carlos Alcaraz, Roman Safiullin, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Arthur Fils were among the featured players.
- What
- Alcaraz won his first-round match, while Tsitsipas upset 10th seed Fils at the US Open.
- When
- Monday, during the tournament’s first-round schedule.
- Where
- The US Open in Flushing Meadows, New York, including Arthur Ashe Stadium, Armstrong, Grandstand, and outer courts.
- Why
- Alcaraz was returning from a wrist injury layoff, while Tsitsipas was seeking renewed confidence after coaching and injury difficulties.
- Alcaraz result
- Defeated Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
- Alcaraz absence
- Returned after nearly five months away and 139 days without a singles match.
- Alcaraz next opponent
- Jaime Faria of Portugal.
- Tsitsipas result
- Defeated Arthur Fils 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-4.
- Fils ranking
- Fils entered as the tournament’s 10th seed and Cincinnati winner.
- Tsitsipas next opponent
- Lloyd Harris of South Africa.
- Other reported winners
- Karolina Muchova, Emma Navarro, Taylor Townsend, and Zheng Qinwen also won.
