Alcaraz shines on return, Sabalenka launches US Open title defence with win

You don’t know what’s going to happen in your body, in your mind, everything,” Alcaraz said. “I just tried to play one game at a time, enjoy the points and feel the love from the people.”Alcaraz’s successful come­back assumes greater signifi­cance after Novak Djokovic’s shock first-round defeat on Sunday, while world No.

1 Jan­nik Sinner remains absent through injury, leaving the Spaniard among the leading contenders in the men’s draw.Earlier, Sabalenka began her title defence with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Colombia’s Camila Osorio.

The world No.

1, seeking a third straight crown in New York, advanced to a second-round meeting with Russia’s Polina Iatcenko. “I’m happy with my performance,” Sabalenka said after ending a difficult spell in which she has not reached a final since completing the Sun­shine Double in March.Last year’s runner-up Amanda Anisimova also progressed, cel­ebrating her 25th birthday with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over fellow American Ashlyn Krueger.

The daay’s major upset came from Stefanos Tsitsipas, who defeated 10th seed and recent Cincin­nati champion Arthur Fils 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-4.

The Greek said the victory had given his con­fidence a much-needed boost.

Former champion Iga Swiatek eased past China’s Wang Xiyu 6-2, 6-3, while Wimbledon final­ist Karolina Muchova beat Sinja Kraus 6-3, 6-0.

American hopes were strengthened by victo­ries for Emma Navarro, Taylor Townsend, Ben Shelton and Fran­ces Tiafoe.

China’s Zheng Qinwen also advanced with a comeback win over Kristina Liutova.Meanwhile, former champion Stan Wawrinka’s final US Open appearance ended in a straight-sets defeat by Italy’s Matteo Berrettini.

The 41-year-old Swiss is set to retire at the end of the season.

Naomi Osaka also moved into the second round, overcoming Anastasia Zakharo­va 7-6(6), 7-6(3), as the tourna­ment’s star-studded field con­tinued to produce compelling action in New York.

NEW YORK – Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz made an emphatic re­turn to Grand Slam action af­ter a 139-day absence, defeat­ing Russia’s Roman Safiullin in straight sets on Monday, while Aryna Sabalenka opened her bid for a historic third consecu­tive US Open title….