US Open: Carlos Alcaraz to face Safiullin on return as Sabalenka gets tricky draw
Alcaraz back in action after four-month injury layoff
TL;DR
- Carlos Alcaraz returns to singles competition at the US Open after a four-month injury layoff, with a first-round match against Roman Safiullin.
- The men's draw is described as open due to the withdrawal of Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz's lack of recent match play.
- Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev are also in the men's draw, with Djokovic aiming to become the oldest singles grand slam champion in the open era.
- Aryna Sabalenka, the defending women's champion, faces a challenging draw, as do other contenders like Jessica Pegula, Linda Noskova, and Karolina Muchova.
- Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff are highlighted as strong performers in the lead-up to the tournament, with potential quarter-final matchups.
- Elena Rybakina's form is uncertain after a recent retirement due to injury.
- Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova are also mentioned as contenders in the women's draw.