Alcaraz makes winning US Open return as Sabalenka advances

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz made a confident return to Grand Slam tennis, defeating Russia's Roman Safiullin in straight sets to reach the second round of the US Open.

The world number three had not played competitively since April after suffering a wrist injury, but showed few signs of rust as he secured a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The 23-year-old admitted his return had been an emotional moment after spending several months away from competition.

"It's been a really tough five months for me," Alcaraz said.

The Spaniard added that returning to Arthur Ashe Stadium was particularly special, saying he had missed the atmosphere, supporters and the intensity of competitive tennis.

While Alcaraz was not yet operating at his best, his performance steadily improved as the match progressed. His powerful forehand began to find its range, while his trademark skill around the net was also on display.

Alcaraz said he expected his tennis to improve as the tournament continued, but was especially pleased to overcome doubts about whether his fitness would hold up.

The victory represents an important first step in Alcaraz's attempt to complete a remarkable season. He won the Australian Open in January, becoming the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam after securing all four major titles during his career.

His path through the tournament also became potentially more favourable following Novak Djokovic's shock first-round defeat less than 24 hours earlier. The 39-year-old Serbian, struggling with injury, lost to Argentina's Mariano Navone in five sets - his earliest Grand Slam exit in two decades.

World number one Jannik Sinner is also absent from this year's tournament because of a knee injury, leaving Alcaraz without two of the biggest potential threats in his half of the draw.

Women's defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also advanced, although the world number one was forced to work hard for her 6-2, 6-4 victory over Colombia's Camila Osorio.

Sabalenka produced 32 winners but also committed 23 unforced errors as she maintained her aggressive approach against an opponent who became increasingly competitive during the second set.

"She brought the fight," Sabalenka said, praising Osorio's determination.

The Belarusian is attempting to win the US Open for a third consecutive year, but arrives in New York having endured a difficult period of form. She has not reached a final since winning the Indian Wells and Miami titles in March to complete the prestigious Sunshine Double.

Japan's Naomi Osaka also advanced after surviving a tight battle with Russia's Anastasia Zakharova. Osaka prevailed 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/3) in a match lasting just over two hours.

Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek moved comfortably into the second round, defeating China's Wang Xiyu 6-2, 6-3 in 88 minutes.

Swiatek, the eighth seed, won her only US Open title in 2022 after defeating Sabalenka during that tournament.

In the men's draw, Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas produced one of the notable results of the day by defeating France's Arthur Fils 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1, 6-4.

Tsitsipas, formerly ranked inside the world's top five but now down to 53rd, recorded his first victory over Fils in six meetings.

Canada's third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime also progressed, overcoming Australia's Rinky Hijikata 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

American eighth seed Ben Shelton recovered from a disastrous opening set to defeat Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 in the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Griekspoor broke Shelton's serve three times in the opening set, but the American regained his composure and control to complete the comeback in two hours and 35 minutes.

"Started off with a little bit of nerves tonight, but I found my rhythm," Shelton said.

Top seed Alexander Zverev of Germany is scheduled to begin his US Open campaign on Tuesday.