No. 2 Seed Carlos Alcaraz Returns to US Open for Title Defense vs Roman Safiullin

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz returns to singles competition for the first time since April to face world No. 98 Roman Safiullin.

Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2 and seven-time Grand Slam champion, officially begins his US Open title defense this Monday against Roman Safiullin. The 2022 Flushing Meadows winner enters the tournament following a competitive singles hiatus dating back to April 2026, when a wrist injury sustained during the Barcelona Open forced his withdrawal from both the French Open and Wimbledon. Alcaraz arrives in New York having participated in only one mixed doubles exhibition alongside Serena Williams, a match that served as his sole public appearance on a tennis court after missing two consecutive major championships.

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Roman Safiullin, currently ranked No. 98 in the ATP standings, provides the first hurdle for the Spaniard in the opening round. The head-to-head record between these two athletes stands at a dead heat with one victory apiece across their two previous professional encounters. Safiullin famously secured an upset over the Spaniard at the 2023 ATP Masters 1000 in Paris, while Alcaraz claimed the most recent win during their clash at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This rubber match on the hard courts of New York represents the first time the pair will face off in a best-of-five-set format.

During a press conference held at 03:24 PM ET on Friday, Alcaraz addressed the media regarding his physical condition and the four-month recovery period. He asserted that he is currently feeling great and intends to compete at 100% intensity from the first point. The 21-year-old confirmed that his practice sessions at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center have proceeded without any physical setbacks, allowing him to maintain his signature aggressive movement. He explicitly stated that he has not modified his technical mechanics or swing patterns to protect the previously injured wrist.

Reflecting on the mental challenges of returning to the tour, the defending champion noted that the long layoff helped him understand that physical concerns are often psychological hurdles. He emphasized his desire to play without fear, focusing on regaining the rhythm that saw him climb to the top of the rankings. The Spaniard acknowledged that while the mixed doubles match with Williams was a helpful transition, it did not replicate the pressure of a high-stakes singles draw. Consequently, he has spent the last week engaging in high-intensity training blocks with top-tier players to sharpen his reaction times.

Latest developments

Alcaraz enters this tournament relying heavily on the medical clearance provided by his coaching staff and specialized trainers. He mentioned that the time away from the circuit allowed for a complete reset, though he admitted that missing the European clay and grass seasons was difficult to endure. By arriving early in New York, he has prioritized acclimating to the humidity and the specific speed of the DecoTurf surface. His strategy involves utilizing his variety of drop shots and baseline power to keep Safiullin off-balance, a tactic that proved successful in their Olympic meeting.

Fans expecting a tentative return may be surprised, as the No. 2 seed insisted that he will be the same "Carlitos" who won the trophy two years ago. He described his current state as being physically prepared for the grueling two-week schedule required to reach the final. The Spaniard highlighted that his primary goal is to avoid overthinking his previous ailment, instead trusting the strength built during his rehabilitation phase. With the draw now set, the focus shifts to whether his lack of match play will impact his consistency in the early rounds.

The match against Safiullin is scheduled as a marquee event, drawing significant attention due to Alcaraz's status as the reigning champion. Despite the ranking gap of 96 places, the Russian opponent has proven capable of handling the Spaniard's pace in the past. Alcaraz concluded his pre-tournament remarks by stating that he is ready to show the world his best tennis once again, aiming to become the first man to defend the US Open title since 2008. His journey starts on the stadium court, where he looks to extend his winning streak in New York to eight matches.