Alcaraz Returns With a Win, Sabalenka Additionally Cruises at US Open

Carlos Alcaraz returned to the U.S. Open wanting wholesome sufficient for a title protection, and fellow two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka opened her personal bid for a three-peat with a win of her personal on Monday at Flushing Meadows, The Associated Press reported.

Alcaraz beat Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, exhibiting no issues with the appropriate wrist damage that had sidelined him since April, AP reported. The No. 2 seed grew extra snug because the match went on, cupping his hand to his ear to attract louder cheers from the Ashe Stadium crowd and pumping his fist after a volley winner within the last recreation.

“I’m just really happy that I was able to compete again,” Alcaraz mentioned, in keeping with AP. “I think the level of tennis is going to be better for sure. I’m just really happy with the level that I played my first match.”

Sabalenka beat Camila Osorio 6-4, 6-4 to start her bid to grow to be the primary participant to win three straight U.S. Open titles since Serena Williams gained hers from 2012-14, AP reported. She has reached the final three U.S. Open finals, dropping to Coco Gauff in 2023 earlier than successful the previous two.

“I feel like this is one of my favorite stadiums,” Sabalenka advised the gang afterward, AP reported. “I really experienced the best emotions here in this stadium.”

The win got here after a rocky summer season for Sabalenka, who was knocked out within the fourth spherical at each Toronto and Cincinnati and on the identical stage at Wimbledon, AP reported. That stretch has put her No. 1 rating in danger even with a deep U.S. Open run: No. 2 Elena Rybakina will overtake her if she reaches the semifinals, and will cross her with out successful one other match if Sabalenka fails to win the title, AP reported.

Sabalenka additionally addressed the orange outfit she wore Monday, a change from the black mesh look she wore in a blended doubles match with Novak Djokovic final week that drew some social media criticism. “To be honest, I didn’t know that I have a day dress. I thought I have a black dress with orange underneath,” she mentioned, in keeping with AP, explaining that Nike had merely given her separate day and night time appears. Alcaraz performed in the identical blended doubles occasion, wanting rusty whereas partnering Serena Williams to at least one win earlier than the pair fell, AP reported.

Both wins landed a day after Djokovic, beforehand 19-0 in U.S. Open first rounds and a four-time champion at Flushing Meadows, was upset within the match’s opening spherical for the primary time, AP reported. With Djokovic out and top-ranked Jannik Sinner sidelined by a knee damage, Alcaraz might shortly grow to be the match favourite if he stays wholesome.

No. 10 seed Arthur Fils, recent off successful the Cincinnati title, was additionally upset Monday, falling to Stefanos Tsitsipas 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-1, 6-4, AP reported. Asked if he might return to the top-three rating he as soon as held, Tsitsipas mentioned, “Why not?”