Alcaraz Faces Immediate Challenge in US Open Return

Carlos Alcaraz will begin his US Open title defense against Roman Safiullin, marking his first competitive singles match in over four months due to a wrist injury. The 23-year-old Spaniard has not played since April and missed the French Open and Wimbledon, but he is still considered a favorite with Jannik Sinner absent. Safiullin's aggressive game is expected to test Alcaraz's fitness and match sharpness from the opening round.