Alcaraz Draws Safiullin in US Open Return After Wrist Layoff

Carlos Alcaraz will begin his US Open title defence against Russia’s Roman Safiullin as he returns to Grand Slam singles competition following a long layoff caused by inflammation in his right wrist. BBC Sport reported that the 23-year-old Spaniard has not played a competitive singles match since the Barcelona Open on April 13, a gap of more than four months.

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The wrist problem kept Alcaraz out of both the French Open and Wimbledon, although it did not require surgery. He returned to court earlier this week in the US Open mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams, but the Safiullin match will provide the first significant test of his fitness in singles. Despite his absence, the defending champion is seeded second at Flushing Meadows.

Alexander Zverev holds the top seed after Jannik Sinner withdrew because of a knee injury. The German, who won his first major title at Roland Garros in June, will face Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in the opening round. Novak Djokovic begins his attempt to claim a record 25th Grand Slam singles crown against Argentina’s Mariano Navone.

Djokovic could face a high-profile second-round contest if he advances. His next opponent would be either Matteo Berrettini, whom he defeated in the 2021 Wimbledon final, or three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka. The Swiss player received a late wildcard for what is set to be the final major tournament of his career.

In the women’s draw, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka opens against Colombia’s Camila Osorio. Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina, who could challenge Sabalenka’s position at the top of the WTA rankings, was paired with American teenage wildcard Thea Frodin. Two-time US Open champion Venus Williams, now 46 and winless in 10 matches this season, received a wildcard and will meet 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin.

Britain’s Arthur Fery faces a difficult first-round assignment against 13th seed Lorenzo Musetti. Fery reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in July, moved into the world’s top 40 and secured his US Open debut, but narrowly missed a seeding. Cameron Norrie, seeded 29th, plays France’s Luca van Assche, while Jan Choinski meets Botic van de Zandschulp. Katie Boulter, the only British woman guaranteed direct entry through her ranking, opens against American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee. Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu are absent with arm and shin injuries respectively.