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Alcaraz Returns for US Open Title Defense vs Safiullin

8/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Carlos Alcaraz begins his US Open title defense against Roman Safiullin.
Alcaraz returns to singles after a right wrist injury that sidelined him since April.
Roman Safiullin reached Wimbledon’s fourth round, upsetting Andrey Rublev and Joao Fonseca before losing to Novak Djokovic.
Jannik Sinner withdrew with a knee injury, making Alexander Zverev the top seed.

History

Historical Context

In 2013 Rafael Nadal returned from a knee injury to win his eighth Grand Slam at the US Open, beating Novak Djokovic and earning $3.6 million, the highest single-tournament prize for a male player then. The 2024 US Open sees Carlos Alcaraz defending his title after a wrist injury, echoing Nadal’s 2013 comeback and reinforcing the ATP’s focus on player health when seedings and schedules shift.

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Story summary

Carlos Alcaraz begins his US Open title defense against Roman Safiullin.
Alcaraz returns to singles after a right wrist injury that sidelined him since April.
Roman Safiullin reached Wimbledon’s fourth round, upsetting Andrey Rublev and Joao Fonseca before losing to Novak Djokovic.
Jannik Sinner withdrew with a knee injury, making Alexander Zverev the top seed.

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