The biggest question looming over the U.S. Open men’s singles tournament this year was: How would Carlos Alcaraz perform in his first competitive match since April?
Alcaraz was returning from a layoff of more than four months after injuring his wrist at the Barcelona Open in April. It robbed him of competing at this year’s French Open and Wimbledon.
Alcaraz’s ability to perform to his usual standard with his surgically repaired wrist is the difference between the two-time U.S. Open champion being the prohibitive favorite to defend his 2025 title and a wide-open men’s singles field, as Jannik Sinner sits out with a knee injury.
Alcaraz aced — pun intended — his first test, defeating Roman Safiullin in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, while putting away the men’s singles world No. 99 with some vintage Alcaraz flair.
Stiffer tests are to come.
