US Open: Alcaraz wins on return, aggressive Sabalenka advances

Published On 1 Sep 20261 Sep 2026Defending men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz did not miss a beat as he returned from a four-month injury absence with a straight-sets first-round victory in the US Open.Out of action with a wrist injury since April, Alcaraz passed his first test with flying colours, beating Russian Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where women’s defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also made it safely into the second round on Monday.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3‘The time has come’: Messi retires from international footballlist 2 of 3Arsenal edge past troubled Aston Villa 1-0 as Saka scores only goallist 3 of 3Transfer deadline day 2026: All to know about target signings, clubs, feesend of list“It’s been a really tough five months for me,” Alcaraz, the world number three, said.“Being able to step on the Arthur Ashe, being able to compete again, I couldn’t decide to come back in a better tournament. It’s a really special place for me.“I tried to enjoy as much as I can. I missed the crowd, I missed the energy, I missed competition. I missed everything.”Alcaraz is trying to bookend his season with major titles after his Australian Open triu...