Carlos Alcaraz Returns to US Open After Four‑Month Hiatus, Shocking Pegula & Fans

Pegula initially doubted whether she could replicate Alcaraz’s dramatic US Open comeback, having gone over four months without competing in a meaningful event.

Alcaraz will face Russian challenger Roman Safiullin in the first round, marking his largest‑stage appearance since suffering a wrist injury in mid‑April. Remarkably, he bypassed the Cincinnati Open earlier this month—an omission that caught Pegula off guard.

“I found it challenging,” she remarked after securing her first‑round victory.

Pegula, who advanced past Elena‑Gabriela Ruse in straight sets, also noted that a best‑of‑five format provides Alcaraz a slight safety net to recover from any early loss.

“I do think it gives a little more leeway for him to work his way into matches, where, if it’s two out of three, as is common in women’s competition, the pressure feels sharper,” she explained. “A slip from the first set can become a decisive moment, requiring him to regain his form quickly.”

“Although Alcaraz missed more than half of this season’s Grand Slams and several ATP events, Pegula remained convinced he could rise to the occasion.”

Tommy Paul is confident that an American man could win the US Open this year.

“This is always where we want to play well. We bring our best energy to every round,” he added. “Getting across the line demands excellent shots and clutch performances.”

Rick Pitino was back in Queens, just a few miles away from St. John’s campus. The Red Storm head coach returned to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to lead Night Session 1 of the tournament.

Pitino had attended a night session at last year’s U.S. Open as well.

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