Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka sweep to US Open first-round wins

Alcaraz returns with straight-sets win

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz launched his singles campaign with a 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory over Russia's Roman Safiullin on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Spanish second seed had not played a singles match in 139 days after suffering a right wrist injury in April. Alcaraz struck more than 20 forehand winners to overcome an early break in the second set and secure a second-round meeting with Portugal's Jaime Faria. His return follows the withdrawal of world number one Jannik Sinner due to a knee injury and the opening-round exit of Novak Djokovic on Sunday.

Alcaraz reflected on his return to competitive singles action after the match.

It's been a really tough five months for me. I missed it - I missed the crowd, the energy, I missed competition, I missed everything.

Sabalenka advances in title defence

World number one Aryna Sabalenka opened her bid for a third consecutive title in New York by defeating Colombia's Camila Osorio 6-2 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Sabalenka produced 32 winners and took the final three games of the second set to arrange a second-round clash with Russia's Polina Iatcenko. The Belarusian is attempting to match Serena Williams, who was the last woman to win three straight tournament titles between 2012 and 2014. Sabalenka had not reached a final since completing the Sunshine Double in March, leaving her top ranking under pressure from Elena Rybakina.

Sabalenka addressed her mindset after navigating the opening encounter.

The good thing for me is not looking back no matter what, if it's good or bad, because I feel a good result can also stop you from performing well because you're basically focusing on the past.

Tsitsipas upsets Cincinnati champion Fils

Former world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas eliminated 10th seed Arthur Fils with a 4-6 7-6(3) 6-1 6-4 victory on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Fils arrived following a title run in Cincinnati and led 6-4 5-2 before Tsitsipas recovered to take the second-set tiebreak and dominate the remaining sets. Tsitsipas split with his father and long-time coach Apostolos before Wimbledon, appointing Thomas Perrin to his team before winning the Swiss Open in July against Raphael Collignon. The Greek player, who climbed from outside the top 80 to 53rd in the ATP rankings, noted that the technical adjustment brought stability.

Tsitsipas explained the motivation behind reorganizing his coaching camp.

I personally felt like I needed it. I needed a different voice. I needed someone who provides a little bit more calm into my tennis world.

Late-night record and seeded progress

Sofia Kenin defeated 46-year-old wild card Venus Williams 6-2 7-6(6) in an opening-round match that started at 12:13 a.m. on Monday, marking the latest start in tournament history. Williams failed to convert seven set points in the second-set tiebreak before Kenin advanced to face Jessica Pegula. In the day session, Amanda Anisimova celebrated her 25th birthday by defeating Ashlyn Krueger 6-1 6-3 in 72 minutes on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Seventh seed Karolina Muchova eliminated Sinja Kraus 6-3 6-0 on the Grandstand, while Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen overcame Kristina Liutova 4-6 6-3 6-1.

Williams addressed the timing of her match following her defeat on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

I've never played a match that late before and I was happy to see that so many people stuck around for that. It was a real honour to play in front of them.