Carlos Alcaraz makes winning US Open return after 139-day injury absence

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz won his first singles match in 139 days on Monday, returning from a wrist injury with a straight-sets victory at the US Open. Aryna Sabalenka also began her bid for a third straight title with a win, while Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova advanced.

How did Carlos Alcaraz perform in his US Open return?

Carlos Alcaraz returned to singles action with a 6-4 6-4 6-4 win over Russia's Roman Safiullin in the first round. The second seed had spent nearly four and a half months away from competition because of a wrist injury.

His return had been one of the biggest questions surrounding the tournament, but the Spaniard produced a comfortable performance. The victory also ensured some star power remained in the men's draw after Novak Djokovic's shock first-round defeat and Jannik Sinner's absence through injury.

"You don't know what's going to happen in the match after 4-1/2 months almost. You don't know what's going to happen in your body, in your mind, everything. It's totally different," Alcaraz told reporters.

"But I just tried to play one game at a time and tried to feel good, to enjoy playing points, feeling the love from the people. Hopefully they enjoyed it."

Did Aryna Sabalenka win her first-round match?

Sabalenka began her campaign at Arthur Ashe Stadium with a 6-2 6-4 victory over Colombia's Camila Osorio. The result sent the defending champion into the second round, where she will face Russian Polina Iatcenko.

The world number one has not reached a title match since winning at Indian Wells and Miami to complete the 'Sunshine Double' in March. She said she was happy with her performance against Osorio, who she described as a tough opponent.

American Amanda Anisimova also opened her campaign with a comfortable victory. On her 25th birthday, the player Sabalenka defeated in last year's final beat compatriot Ashlyn Krueger 6-1 6-3 at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Which other players advanced at the US Open?

Former champion Iga Swiatek advanced to the second round with a 6-2 6-3 win over China's Wang Xiyu. The Polish eighth seed began her campaign in the night session on the second showcourt.

Stefanos Tsitsipas produced one of the day's biggest upsets by beating 10th seed Arthur Fils 4-6 7-6(3) 6-1 6-4. The Greek player will next face South African Lloyd Harris.

Tsitsipas said the victory was important for his confidence after struggling to beat top players in recent times. "I'm ecstatic about today. It's an important, good victory for me, for my confidence," he said.

Who else progressed on the second day?

Seven matches suspended by rain on Sunday resumed on Monday as organisers continued the extended three-day first-round schedule. Wimbledon finalist Karolina Muchova started the day with a 6-3 6-0 win over Sinja Kraus and will next face Briton Katie Boulter.

Linda Noskova beat American Katie Volynets 7-5 6-1, keeping her campaign moving after her run to the Wimbledon final. American Emma Navarro also advanced after beating France's Lois Boisson 7-6(6) 6-7(1) 6-3.

Taylor Townsend defeated Poland's Maja Chwalinska 6-2 6-3, while China's Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen beat Kristina Liutova 4-6 6-3 6-1.

Zheng had been forced to go through qualifying only two years after reaching the quarter-finals in New York. Her ranking has since fallen after an elbow injury required surgery last year.

Which former US Open champion exited the tournament?

Former champion Stan Wawrinka lost to Italy's Matteo Berrettini 7-6(4) 7-6(3) 6-0. The 41-year-old Swiss was competing at the Grand Slam for the final time before retiring at the end of the season.

Home hope Ben Shelton recovered from a slow start to beat Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor 1-6 6-1 7-6(3) 6-2. Frances Tiafoe also advanced after beating fellow American Martin Damm 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-3 6-4.

Naomi Osaka produced another eye-catching Grand Slam walk-on outfit before battling past unseeded Russian Anastasia Zakharova 7-6(6) 7-6(3) in a late-finishing match.