Alcaraz-Safiullin live, following the first round match of the US Open live.

Carlos Alcaraz secured his second consecutive victory at the US Open after defeating Roman Safiullin in the first round on August 31, 2026. The match took place at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest tennis venue in the world, and marked another step in the Spanish star’s ongoing campaign. Alcaraz, who had already won the tournament earlier in the year, faced a challenge from Safiullin, a less-known Russian player with a solid reputation for his serve and consistency. Despite some early struggles, Alcaraz managed to overcome the obstacles and advance to the next stage of the competition. The match began with both players displaying their strengths. Safiullin immediately showed his trademark power through a series of well-placed serves, forcing Alcaraz into defensive positions. In the early stages, Alcaraz appeared to be adjusting to the pace of the game, occasionally missing opportunities due to a lack of rhythm. However, he gradually found his footing, using his powerful groundstrokes and strategic placement to gain control of points. One notable moment came when Alcaraz capitalized on a weak return from Safiullin, hitting a deep cross-court shot that forced the Russian to retreat, ultimately leading to a crucial point. Throughout the first set, Alcaraz's ability to hit winners from both sides was evident. He frequently used his right-handed backhand to create angles, making it difficult for Safiullin to anticipate his shots. There were moments when Alcaraz seemed to lose focus, particularly during extended rallies where he struggled to maintain the intensity required to dominate the points. However, his experience and composure allowed him to recover quickly, often turning potential errors into winning chances. Safiullin, on the other hand, remained composed under pressure. His serve proved to be a key weapon, especially in critical moments. He consistently delivered flat serves that landed inside the court, forcing Alcaraz to move laterally and make quick decisions. At times, Safiullin looked poised to take control of the match, particularly after securing a few key points in the middle of the set. Yet, Alcaraz’s resilience shone through, allowing him to regain momentum and eventually take the first set 6–4. In the second set, Alcaraz continued to display his versatility. He adjusted his strategy, focusing more on his forehand and using it to dictate play. This shift in approach helped him to neutralize Safiullin’s serve and take control of the rally. Alcaraz’s ability to vary his shot selection and keep the ball in play kept Safiullin guessing, which became a decisive factor in the outcome of the match. Although Safiullin fought hard, particularly in the latter part of the set, Alcaraz’s consistent execution and mental toughness proved too much to overcome. Alcaraz closed out the match with a commanding performance, demonstrating why he remains one of the top contenders in men’s tennis. His ability to adapt to different playing conditions and opponents has been a hallmark of his career. While Safiullin put up a valiant effort, Alcaraz’s experience and technical precision ensured that he would prevail. As the tournament progresses, fans will be eager to see how Alcaraz continues to build on this success and whether he can carry his form into the later rounds.