Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Alcaraz, Sabalenka Begin US Open Title Defenses With Wins
Carlos Alcaraz returned to tennis at the US Open after missing about four months with a wrist injury.
He beat Roman Safiullin in three straight sets.
Alcaraz said his wrist and arm felt good during the match.
Aryna Sabalenka also won her first-round match against Camila Osorio.
She is trying to win the US Open for the third time in a row.
Novak Djokovic lost in the first round, and Jannik Sinner is not playing because of a knee injury.
Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Cincinnati champion Arthur Fils.
Iga Swiatek and Ben Shelton also won, while Stan Wawrinka lost and indicated he is retiring.
Rain delayed Emma Navarro’s victory over Lois Boisson until Monday.
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz defeated Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in his first match since April.
Alcaraz said his right wrist and arm felt normal after returning from a four-month injury absence.
Aryna Sabalenka advanced against Camila Osorio in straight sets, with reports differing on the score: 6-4, 6-4 or 6-2, 6-4.
Novak Djokovic’s first-round loss and Jannik Sinner’s knee injury have opened the men’s draw for Alcaraz.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, Iga Swiatek, Ben Shelton and Emma Navarro also advanced, while Stan Wawrinka lost in what he called his final Grand Slam match.
- Who
- Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Roman Safiullin, Camila Osorio, and other tennis players competing at the US Open.
- What
- Alcaraz and Sabalenka won their opening matches, while several notable players advanced or were eliminated.
- When
- Monday; Emma Navarro’s rain-delayed match began Sunday and finished Monday.
- Where
- The US Open in New York, including Arthur Ashe Stadium and Flushing Meadows.
- Why
- The players were competing in the tournament’s first round; Alcaraz was returning from a right wrist injury and Sabalenka was beginning her title defense.
- Alcaraz’s result
- Defeated Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
- Alcaraz’s return
- Returned after a right wrist injury had sidelined him since April.
- Sabalenka’s result
- Beat Camila Osorio in straight sets; one report gave the score as 6-4, 6-4, while another reported 6-2, 6-4.
- Sabalenka’s objective
- Seeking a third consecutive US Open championship.
- Djokovic’s result
- Lost in the first round for the first time at the US Open after previously going 19-0 there.
- Sinner’s status
- Was absent from the tournament because of a knee injury.
- Wawrinka’s result
- Lost to Matteo Berrettini in what he described as his final Grand Slam match before retirement.
- Navarro’s result
- Defeated Lois Boisson 7-6 (6), 6-7 (1), 6-3 after rain interrupted their match.
