Carlos Alcaraz returns in top form at the US Open despite his doubts

Carlos Alcaraz confirmed his return to form in the first round of the US Open by dominating Roman Safiullin 6-4 6-4 6-4. The defending champion, absent from the courts since April due to a wrist injury, reassured about his ability to defend his title despite lingering doubts.

"There were doubts in the match, I'm not going to lie. I wondered if I would hold up until the end, in five sets, playing four or five matches," Alcaraz admitted, who will face Portuguese Jaime Faria in the next round. "I had a bit of doubt, but I tried to forget all that and focus on what I needed to improve. I was thinking about what could happen during the match, and physically, I felt really good." Tim Henman, analyst for Sky Sports Tennis, noted: "If you had asked Alcaraz how he would have liked the match to unfold, he would have signed for a three-set victory, a few moments of pressure, and just over two hours of play. That's exactly what he got today. He and his team can be pleased with every aspect of this match."

A return under the spotlight with Travis Scott

In front of rapper Travis Scott, who helped design his brown outfit for the US Open, Alcaraz showcased his talent despite a long absence. The seven-time Grand Slam winner had to save two break points in his first three service games before breaking Safiullin’s serve in the eighth game to take the first set. Down early in the second set, the Spaniard immediately responded by leveling, then stepped up his intensity to secure two crucial breaks in the eighth game and claim the second set. In the third, after an early break, Alcaraz was no longer troubled on his serve, maintaining a high level of play to dismiss the Russian. Among Alcaraz’s potential main rivals in the draw, Arthur Fils, winner of last week’s Cincinnati Masters, was eliminated in the first round by Stefanos Tsitsipas (4-6 7-6 6-1 6-4).

Sabalenka in pursuit of a historic treble

Aryna Sabalenka also got her US Open campaign off to a flying start with a straight-sets victory over Camila Osorio (6-2 6-4). The Belarusian, who is aiming to become the first player to win three consecutive US Open titles since Serena Williams in 2014, faced tough opposition in the second set. "Camila is a tough opponent, but I was ready to do whatever it took to get the win," Sabalenka told Sky Sports Tennis. "I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the support. It was a fun and tough match, but happy to have made it through in two sets." Sabalenka, whose form has been questioned after three early exits at Wimbledon, the Canadian Masters and Cincinnati, could lose the world No.1 ranking for the first time since October 2024. Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are hot on her heels, ready to take her spot. Yet, the Belarusian remains a force to be reckoned with on hard courts, the surface on which she has won all four of her Grand Slam titles.

British pair Dart and Fearnley in fine form

On the British front, Harriet Dart and Jacob Fearnley both secured hard-fought victories to reach the second round. Dart, who was a set and a break down, fought back to defeat Peyton Stearns (3-6 6-3 6-2). Her coach Marion Bartoli, who also works as a Sky Sports Tennis pundit, praised her mental strength: "I'm really proud of her. It's an exceptional effort and mentally, it's so tough to come back, but she fought with so much strength. It's absolutely brilliant." Fearnley, who entered the main draw as a lucky loser after losing in qualifying the previous week, produced an outstanding performance against Martin Landaluce. Down 4-6 6-2 4-6, he reeled off five games to force a fifth set, then maintained his momentum to win 7-5 6-3. Despite missing a chance to seal the match with a smash, he kept his composure to secure his spot in the second round for the second year running. "I told myself I had nothing to lose and I was playing with house money," Fearnley explained. "That's what I kept repeating to calm my nerves and give it my all. I'm really grateful for this second chance and happy to have taken it." The US Open continues daily on Sky Sports until September 13. Follow all the action with no commitment via streaming on NOW and the Sky Sports app. You can also catch the Laver Cup live from the O2 Arena in London from September 25 to 27 on Sky Sports.