Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Carlos Alcaraz made a thunderous return to Grand Slam singles action as the defending champion began his US Open title defence with a straight-sets victory over Roman Safiullin. The Spaniard, playing his first singles match in more than four months after a wrist injury, defeated the Russian 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Alcaraz had not competed in singles since April and had missed the French Open and Wimbledon because of the injury. He also skipped the Cincinnati Open, making his return in New York something of an unknown. Yet the second seed quickly showed that the long layoff had done little to blunt his trademark aggression and movement.
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The victory extended Alcaraz’s impressive record at Flushing Meadows. He entered the tournament with a 24-3 record at the US Open, having won the title in 2022 and 2025, and is now chasing an eighth Grand Slam crown.
The 23-year-old also arrived in New York with some momentum from mixed doubles, having partnered Serena Williams earlier in the tournament. However, nothing could replicate the intensity of a singles match, particularly against a player who had previously beaten him on hard court in 2023.
After his win, Alcaraz said, “For me, it has been a really tough four or five months. Being able to step in here at the US Open and compete again, I couldn’t have decided to come back in a better tournament than here in New York. It’s a really special place and a special tournament for me. I try to enjoy it as much as I can. I missed it. I missed the crowd and the competition.”
ALCARAZ FINDS HIS RHYTHM AGAINST SAFIULLIN
Alcaraz was forced to negotiate an awkward opening before taking control. Safiullin created break-point opportunities early, but the Spaniard repeatedly found answers with his serve and powerful forehand. He survived another scare at 3-3 before finally making the breakthrough at 4-3, using a forehand winner to secure his first break.
Safiullin had opportunities to level the opening set, including two break points in the ninth game, but Alcaraz held firm. He eventually sealed the set 6-4 after the Russian committed a backhand error. The opening 50 minutes offered an encouraging sign for a player returning from such a lengthy absence.
The second set began with another test. Safiullin raced 2-0 ahead, but Alcaraz immediately hit back and restored parity. He then broke again at 4-3, producing another forehand winner, before closing out the set.
The third set followed a similar pattern. Alcaraz had to save three break points in the second game, showing the defensive resilience that has become a defining feature of his game. Once he escaped, he broke Safiullin at 3-1 and never allowed his opponent back into the contest.
Alcaraz’s ability to absorb pressure and then turn defence into attack was particularly impressive given the circumstances of his comeback. He looked increasingly comfortable as the match progressed, combining explosive forehands with sharp movement and clever changes of pace.
The straight-sets win also marked his eighth consecutive victory at the US Open and immediately strengthened his credentials as one of the leading contenders in a men’s draw already shaken by Novak Djokovic’s first-round exit.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
