‘Pain-free’ Alcaraz brushes aside qualifier in US Open return after four months out
Carlos Alcaraz made a successful return to the US Open after a four-month injury layoff, defeating Roman Safiullin in straight sets. The Spaniard reported that his wrist felt pain-free during the match.
Why it matters
Alcaraz is a major figure in professional tennis, and his health status significantly impacts the competitive landscape of the sport.
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz wore tape under a sleeve on his right arm to protect his wrist./Getty Images Spain's Carlos Alcaraz wore tape under a sleeve on his right arm to protect his wrist./Getty Images US Open Tennis 2026 ‘Pain-free’ Alcaraz brushes aside qualifier in US Open return after four months out Spaniard beats Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
Alcaraz has not played since April with wrist injury
Prefer the Guardian on Google As Carlos Alcaraz edged closer to the conclusion of his first singles set in more than four and a half months, like so many times in his career instinct took over. Up 5-4, 30-15 in set one, Alcaraz swept forward to the net behind a precise wide serve and, when his opponent Roman Safiullin responded with a dipping backhand return directly to his feet, Alcaraz delicately pushed a half-volley over the net for a winner.
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