Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Carlos Alcaraz Wins US Open Return After Wrist Injury
Carlos Alcaraz returned to tennis at the US Open after hurting his right wrist.
He had not played a competitive singles match for 139 days.
In his first match back, he beat Roman Safiullin in three straight sets.
His powerful forehand and movement looked strong.
Alcaraz played carefully at times because he was nervous about his injury.
He said his wrist and arm felt good and did not hurt.
He will next play Jaime Faria from Portugal.
Some other top players are missing or have already lost, so Alcaraz may have a better chance to win the tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in his US Open first-round comeback.
The defending champion returned after a 139-day absence caused by a right-wrist injury.
Alcaraz said his wrist and arm felt great and remained pain-free throughout the match.
He produced more than 20 forehand winners while making nine unforced errors.
Alcaraz will face Portugal’s Jaime Faria in the second round as he pursues another title.
- Who
- Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz defeated Roman Safiullin.
- What
- Alcaraz won his US Open first-round match 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 after returning from a right-wrist injury.
- When
- In the US Open first round, after a 139-day absence; Alcaraz spoke to reporters on Monday night.
- Where
- Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
- Why
- Alcaraz was returning to competitive singles tennis after recovering from a right-wrist injury and seeking to defend his US Open title.
- Result
- Carlos Alcaraz beat Roman Safiullin in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
- Layoff
- Alcaraz had been away from competitive singles action for 139 days.
- Injury
- The absence was caused by a right-wrist injury.
- Forehand performance
- Alcaraz hit more than 20 forehand winners and made nine unforced errors.
- Next opponent
- Portugal’s Jaime Faria.
- Tournament status
- Alcaraz entered as the defending US Open champion and a seven-time Grand Slam winner.
- Draw developments
- Jannik Sinner is absent because of injury, while Novak Djokovic suffered a first-round exit.