Carlos Alcaraz Faces Tough Test Against Roman Safiullin at US Open

New Delhi, India Aug 28, 2026 ALN: Carlos Alcaraz will start his US Open title defence against Russia's Roman Safiullin in the first serious examination of his fitness following a long-term wrist injury.

Second seed Alcaraz, who won the men's title in New York last year, has not played a competitive singles match for more than four months because of inflammation in his playing right wrist. This injury has raised concerns not only about his immediate performance but also about his long-term career trajectory, as wrist injuries can be particularly troublesome for players, affecting their serve and groundstrokes, which are crucial components of the game.

Despite his lack of action, the 23-year-old Spaniard is still considered by many as the favourite to triumph again - particularly because his great rival Jannik Sinner is not playing due to a knee injury. Alcaraz's absence from the tour has given him time to recover, but it has also created uncertainty about his readiness to compete at the highest level. The US Open is notorious for its demanding conditions, which can test the physical limits of even the fittest athletes.

The pair may have been a cut above the rest of the tour for the past two seasons, but Alcaraz coming back from a prolonged absence with such a delicate injury and beating the rest of the field - even though he is a generational talent - would be remarkable. His previous performances have set a high standard, and any deviation from that could lead to questions about his ability to reclaim his title. The mental aspect of returning from injury can be just as challenging as the physical, and Alcaraz will need to overcome any psychological barriers that may arise from his time away from the court.

The seven-time major champion missed this season's French Open and Wimbledon as a result of the issue, which did not require surgery, before making his return to court in the US Open mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams earlier this week. This mixed doubles appearance served as a potential gauge of his fitness, but the dynamics of mixed doubles differ significantly from singles play, where the pressure and intensity are magnified. Wearing a long compression sleeve on his right arm, Alcaraz did not look totally convincing in the exhibition-like event. Understandably, he appeared to be holding back on his serve and return as he eased himself back into matchplay, which could be indicative of lingering discomfort or a cautious approach to his recovery.

There is no doubt that a Grand Slam singles bout played over five sets will be another step up physically. Safiullin, with a hefty serve and attacking groundstrokes, is not an ideal opponent to start against. The Russian player is known for his aggressive style, which could put Alcaraz under immediate pressure and test his ability to withstand powerful shots. The matchup presents a significant challenge, as Alcaraz will need to find his rhythm quickly while also managing any discomfort from his wrist.

The 29-year-old Russian, who reached the Wimbledon fourth round last month before falling to Novak Djokovic, is likely to take time away from Alcaraz, test the Spaniard's durability at the baseline and generally make him feel uncomfortable. Safiullin's recent form at Wimbledon indicates that he is capable of competing at a high level, which adds to the difficulty of Alcaraz's opening match. If Alcaraz struggles early on, it could set a tone for the rest of the tournament.

Predicting how Slam draws will pan out is always a fool's errand, but if Alcaraz does get past Safiullin and goes as far as the fourth round, there are more potential opponents who appear daunting given the length of his absence. The depth of talent in the men's draw means that every match will be a test, particularly for a player returning from injury.

If you analyse Alcaraz's projected draw by the seedings, he could face rock solid American Tommy Paul or unpredictable Kazak Alexander Bublik in the last 16. Both players have unique styles that could pose challenges for Alcaraz; Paul is known for his consistency and work ethic, while Bublik's unpredictable nature could lead to a high-risk, high-reward scenario. Athletic Frenchman Arthur Fils and huge-serving Ben Shelton are potential quarter-final opponents, both of whom have shown promise and could capitalize on any weaknesses in Alcaraz's game. Djokovic could lie in wait in the semi-finals, which would be a monumental challenge given Djokovic's experience and success in Grand Slam tournaments.

Nobody outside of Alcaraz and his core team knows how his wrist is likely to stand up to the rigours of playing five-set matches in the heat of a Grand Slam tournament. The physical demands of the US Open, combined with the mental pressure of defending a title, will be a true test for Alcaraz. A challenging start at Flushing Meadows and a potentially intimidating second week will tell us if he can rise to the occasion or if the injury will hinder his performance.

Who have the other big names drawn?

Djokovic's latest quest for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title starts against Argentina's Mariano Navone. The Serbian legend continues to defy age, and his experience in high-pressure situations makes him a formidable opponent for anyone in the draw. If he gets through that match, the 39-year-old Serb faces a challenging second-round match against either Italy's Matteo Berrettini - who he beat in the 2021 Wimbledon final - or three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka, in what will be the final major of the Swiss player's career after he was given a late wildcard. Wawrinka's experience and powerful game could pose a significant threat to Djokovic, making this a highly anticipated matchup.

Germany's Alexander Zverev, promoted to top seed after Sinner withdrew, faces Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in his opening match. Zverev's rise in the rankings has been marked by a series of strong performances, but he too has faced injury challenges in the past. His match against Sonego will be critical in setting the tone for his tournament. In the women's draw, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka starts against Colombia's Camila Osorio. Sabalenka goes into the US Open having topped the WTA rankings for 97 weeks, but knows her place remains under threat from reigning Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina, who has been drawn against American teenage wildcard Thea Frodin. The competition in the women's draw remains fierce, with several players capable of making deep runs.

Two-time champion Venus Williams, 46, has been given a wildcard despite losing all 10 of her matches this season and faces 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in the first round. Williams' participation adds a nostalgic element to the tournament, as she has been a trailblazer in women's . However, her recent struggles raise questions about her competitiveness against younger, rising stars in the . The US Open will be a stage for both established champions and emerging talents, making for an exciting tournament ahead.