Carlos Alcaraz made a promising return to competitive tennis at the 2026 US Open, showing signs of his usual form after a long injury break. His first match was a straight-sets win, with Alcaraz displaying his powerful baseline game and sharp forehand. The Spanish star’s wrist appeared to be handling the pressure well, as he said afterward that he felt pain-free during the match. Despite his usual aggressive serving style, Alcaraz kept his serve speeds lower than normal, likely to protect his wrist. His family and team were in attendance, including rapper Travis Scott, cheering him on from the stands. Alcaraz admitted to feeling nervous at the start of his comeback, but said he was focused on enjoying each moment.
Meanwhile, in the men’s draw, unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone delivered a major upset by defeating Novak Djokovic in the first round, according to The Free Press Journal. The match was a tough battle, with Navone fighting back after losing two sets before taking control in the fifth set. Navone said he had long admired Djokovic and was overwhelmed by the victory. He described his win as meaningful, especially playing on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Navone said the need to stay focused for future matches despite the emotional high of defeating his idol.
In other first-round action, top-ranked players like Jessica Pegula and Elina Svitolina advanced easily, according to a report from justwomenssports.com. The women’s draw saw early exits for some notable names, including Venus Williams who lost to Sofia Kenin well past midnight. Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek were among the leading players who advanced on Monday, while Coco Gauff and several other contenders are scheduled to begin their campaigns Tuesday. Coco Gauff noted that the US Open brings high expectations, especially for American players. The tournament continues with a full schedule of matches and strong competition from top seeds.
Alcaraz’s victory carried added significance because it was his first singles match in 139 days. The 23-year-old had not played a singles match since April, when a right wrist injury interrupted his season and ultimately kept him out of both the French Open and Wimbledon. He entered the US Open as the defending champion but with far less recent match experience than most of the other leading contenders.
Despite that extended absence, Alcaraz looked increasingly comfortable as his match against Roman Safiullin progressed. He won 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours and 22 minutes and produced more than 20 forehand winners. More important than the score was his physical condition afterward. Alcaraz said his wrist and arm felt normal and that he completed the match without pain, an encouraging sign after months of rehabilitation.
His comeback also adds another major storyline to a men’s draw that changed dramatically with Djokovic’s departure. Alcaraz is the No. 2 seed and is attempting to become the first man since Roger Federer to successfully defend the US Open singles championship. Federer won five consecutive titles in New York from 2004 through 2008. Alcaraz will next face Portugal’s Jaime Faria in the second round.
Alcaraz’s victory carried added significance because it was his first singles match in 139 days. The 23-year-old had not played a singles match since April, when a right wrist injury interrupted his season and ultimately kept him out of both the French Open and Wimbledon. He entered the US Open as the defending champion but with far less recent match experience than most of the other leading contenders.
Despite that extended absence, Alcaraz looked increasingly comfortable as his match against Roman Safiullin progressed. He won 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours and 22 minutes and produced more than 20 forehand winners. More important than the score was his physical condition afterward. Alcaraz said his wrist and arm felt normal and that he completed the match without pain, an encouraging sign after months of rehabilitation.
His comeback also adds another major storyline to a men’s draw that changed dramatically with Djokovic’s departure. Alcaraz is the No. 2 seed and is attempting to become the first man since Roger Federer to successfully defend the US Open singles championship. Federer won five consecutive titles in New York from 2004 through 2008. Alcaraz will next face Portugal’s Jaime Faria in the second round.
IMAGE: Roland Garros 2021 – 2ème tour contre N. Basilashvili. Photo: Yannick JAMOT / Wikimedia, taken 2021-06-03, CC BY-SA 4.0