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Aryna Sabalenka advances in U.S. Open title defense as Carlos Alcaraz returns
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka won her opening match in New York, while Carlos Alcaraz prepared for his return from a wrist injury.
The short version
- Aryna Sabalenka defeated Camila Osorio 6-4, 6-4 to open her U.S. Open title defense.
- Carlos Alcaraz returned for his first singles match since April following a right wrist injury.
- Top contender Novak Djokovic suffered his first career U.S. Open first-round exit, and top-ranked Jannik Sinner missed the event due to a knee injury.
- Elena Rybakina has an opportunity to claim the WTA No. 1 ranking depending on tournament outcomes.
Key facts
- Aryna Sabalenka defeated Camila Osorio 6-4, 6-4 on Monday to begin her U.S. Open title defense.[Associated Press]
- Carlos Alcaraz prepared to play his first singles match since April after recovering from a right wrist injury.[Associated Press]
- Novak Djokovic lost in the first round of the tournament on Sunday, marking his first first-round exit at Flushing Meadows after previously holding a 19-0 record in the round.[Associated Press]
- Jannik Sinner missed the tournament due to a knee injury.[Associated Press]
- No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina can overtake Sabalenka for the No. 1 ranking if she reaches the semifinals or if Sabalenka fails to win the title.[Associated Press]
- Stan Wawrinka began his final Grand Slam tournament before retirement with a match against Matteo Berrettini.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Carlos Alcaraz will maintain his form and health throughout the singles draw following his long injury layoff.[Associated Press]