Alcaraz defeats Safiullin in US Open return after four-month layoff
Defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz returned from a four-month injury absence and defeated Roman Safiullin of Russia 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the first round on September 1. The decisive victory advanced Alcaraz to the second round of the tournament he won in 2025.
Carlos Alcaraz, the defending US Open champion, advanced to the second round with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Roman Safiullin of Russia on September 1. The match marked Alcaraz's first competitive outing after a four-month injury absence, according to BBC Sport reporting.
The decisive straight-set result provided an early signal of Alcaraz's readiness following his extended layoff from competition.
Alcaraz, the defending US Open champion, defeated Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in his first competitive match after a four-month injury layoff, per BBC Sport.
Alcaraz's progression through the draw will reveal whether the opening-round dominance reflects durable fitness or a match-by-match recovery from injury.
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