Messi Legacy Will ‘Live Forever’, Says Beckham

Carlos Alcaraz answered one of the US Open's biggest questions with a composed return to competition, defeating Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 after nearly four and a half months away with a wrist injury.

The defending champion admitted that returning after such a long break brought uncertainty. “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. He said he focused on playing one game at a time and enjoying the support from the crowd.

The second seed's progress helped restore some star appeal to the men's tournament. Novak Djokovic suffered a shock defeat on Sunday, while world number one Jannik Sinner is missing because of 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.

Aryna Sabalenka began her attempt at a third consecutive US Open title with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Colombia's Camila Osorio. Amanda Anisimova, whom Sabalenka defeated in last year's final, marked her 25th birthday with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Ashlyn Krueger.

Stefanos Tsitsipas produced the day's main upset, beating Cincinnati champion Arthur Fils 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-4. “I'm ecstatic about today. It's an important, good victory for me, for my confidence,” Tsitsipas said. Rain-delayed matches also resumed, with Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova among the other winners.

“

I'm ecstatic about today. It's an important, good victory for me, for my confidence.