Alcaraz starts US Open comeback against Safiullin

Carlos Alcaraz begins his US Open title defence against Russia's Roman Safiullin, marking his return to competitive singles tennis after more than four months out. The 23-year-old Spaniard last played a singles match on 13 April at the Barcelona Open due to inflammation in his right wrist. This first-round match represents the first serious test of his fitness following the long-term injury.