Carlos Alcaraz will begin his US Open title defence against Russia’s Roman Safiullin in what will be the Spaniard’s first singles match since April. A right wrist injury forced the two-time US Open champion to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon, and he only returned to competition this week in mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams. Seeded No. 2 in New York, Alcaraz faces a potentially difficult opening test: Safiullin reached the fourth round at Wimbledon this year after defeating Andrey Rublev and Joao Fonseca and has already beaten Alcaraz at the 2023 Paris Masters. The Spaniard avenged that defeat at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev are also in Alcaraz’s half of the draw, while a possible quarter-final could bring a meeting with Ben Shelton.
On the women’s side, one of the most intriguing first-round matches will feature 46-year-old Venus Williams against former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin. Both Americans entered the singles draw with wild cards. Tournament organisers had initially kept the final invitation available for Serena Williams, but after she opted to compete only in doubles it was awarded to Kenin, who was then randomly drawn against Venus. The Williams sisters will also reunite in women’s doubles, having previously won the US Open doubles title together twice. Main-draw singles competition at the season’s final Grand Slam begins on Sunday, August 30. Sources: US Open, Associated Press and Reuters.
