Dominant Return: Carlos Alcaraz Sweeps Roman Safiullin in US Open 2026 First Round

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz made a sensational return to competitive singles tennis, storming into the second round of the 2026 US Open with a commanding straight-sets victory over Russia’s Roman Safiullin.

Playing his first competitive singles match after a 139-day layoff due to a right wrist injury, the 23-year-old Spaniard showed little sign of rust as he produced a clinical 6–4, 6–4, 6–4 victory under the roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Match Breakdown: Control and Precision

Set 1 (Alcaraz 6–4): Alcaraz quickly found his rhythm from the baseline, breaking Safiullin in the seventh game with a blistering forehand winner before serving out the opener comfortably.

Set 2 (Alcaraz 6–4): Safiullin pressed hard early to keep pace, but Alcaraz's superior court coverage and heavy topspin forehands broke the Russian's serve at crucial moments to double his lead.

Set 3 (Alcaraz 6–4): Maintaining high intensity, the No. 2 seed closed out the match in style, converting his break point opportunities and maintaining high first-serve win percentages to wrap up the win in under two and a half hours.

Match Statistics

Parameter Carlos Alcaraz Roman Safiullin

Aces 2 9

First Serve % 68% 66%

First Serve Points Won % 66% 64%

Second Serve Points Won % 70% 63%

Break Points Converted 4 / 7 1 / 6

Total Points Won 99 91

My Analysis & Prediction

Tactical Takeaway: Considering his four-month absence from singles competition, Alcaraz’s performance was exceptionally clean. Winning 70% of his second-serve points against a heavy hitter like Safiullin proves that his movement and defensive transitions are fully intact. With main draw rivals like Novak Djokovic suffering early exits, Alcaraz’s draw looks increasingly favorable for a deep title defense.

Tournament Prediction: Alcaraz has quickly re-established himself as the tournament favorite. Expect Carlos Alcaraz to maintain his momentum and cruise through Round 2 with another straight-sets win (3–0).