Alcaraz makes impressive US Open comeback after wrist injury

A convincing return

Carlos Alcaraz, who had been sidelined for more than four months (139 days, according to AFP) due to an injury to his right wrist, returned to competition at the US Open with a convincing first-round win over Russian Roman Safiullin (ranked 99th), triumphing 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium court. The match lasted two hours and 22 minutes.

Having missed Roland Garros and Wimbledon due to the injury, the 23-year-old Spaniard, currently ranked third in the world, was eager to resume his impressive Grand Slam winning streak, which now stands at 15 consecutive match wins at majors. He won the US Open last year and the Australian Open this past February.

After the match, Alcaraz said he was pleased with his level of play and proud that he had been able to mentally manage his nerves and doubts. He admitted having concerns beforehand about whether he could handle a best-of-five-set match after such a long layoff, but decided simply to enjoy the moment. His serve, considered the shot most at risk, held up well — Safiullin managed to win only one break of serve.

Praise from an expert

Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick said on his podcast "Served" that he was pleasantly surprised by Alcaraz's level, having expected the Spaniard to return with less rhythm and more errors after such a long absence. According to Puntodebreak, Roddick specifically praised the speed of Alcaraz's forehand, saying it appeared even faster than the previous year, along with his flawless movement on court and composed demeanor, despite Alcaraz's own admission of feeling nervous.

Next opponent: Jaime Faria

In the second round, Alcaraz will face 23-year-old Portuguese player Jaime Faria (ranked 72nd in the world), against whom he has never played before. Faria arrived in New York in good form, having reached the round of 16 in Cincinnati just over a week earlier, and has qualified for all four Grand Slam tournaments this season, reaching the US Open main draw directly for the first time without needing qualifying rounds. In his opening match, he defeated American Jenson Brooksby in a nearly four-hour, five-set battle (6-3, 7-6, 4-6, 1-6, 6-2) marked by tension with the crowd — Faria responded to boos from spectators supporting Brooksby, and afterward said he enjoys playing against Americans on American soil precisely because of the intense atmosphere.

With world No. 1 Jannik Sinner absent due to injury and Novak Djokovic eliminated in the first round, Alcaraz is considered one of the main favorites to defend his title, provided his wrist holds up and his legs do not suffer from the long layoff.