NEW YORK : Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz marked his return to competitive tennis with a straight-sets victory at the U.S. Open on Monday, while world number one Aryna Sabalenka began her bid for a third consecutive title with a comfortable win.
Alcaraz, playing his first singles match in 139 days after a right wrist injury, defeated Russia’s Roman Safiullin 6-4 6-4 6-4 to ease concerns over his fitness.
The Spaniard’s victory provided a boost to the men’s draw after Novak Djokovic suffered a shock defeat on Sunday, while world number one Jannik Sinner is absent through injury.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, advanced with a 6-2 6-4 win over Colombia’s Camila Osorio at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Belarusian produced 32 winners to set up a second-round meeting with Russia’s Polina Iatcenko.
“I’m happy with my performance. She’s a tough opponent, makes you work really hard to get every point,” Sabalenka said.
American Amanda Anisimova, who lost last year’s final to Sabalenka, also made a winning start, beating compatriot Ashlyn Krueger 6-1 6-3.
Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas produced one of the day’s surprises by defeating Cincinnati champion and 10th seed Arthur Fils 4-6 7-6(3) 6-1 6-4.
Tsitsipas said the victory was important for his confidence after a difficult run against top players.
