Overview
- Carlos Alcaraz beat Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in his first competitive singles match since April, a return that took place on Tuesday at the 2026 US Open.
- Alcaraz said the right wrist that kept him out for 139 days felt “pain‑free” after the match and he described his strokes as playing normally.
- Broadcast analysts praised his movement and forehand but flagged a reduced first‑serve average of about 112 mph as a concern for matches against top opponents.
- He is scheduled to face Jaime Faria in round two, with bookmakers shortening his odds and pundits saying a string of matches will be needed to prove Grand Slam readiness.
- Coaches warned that the real test is sustaining form across five‑set matches and a two‑week major, so the next few rounds will determine whether his comeback can translate into a title run.