US Open defending champ Alcaraz strikes 20 forehand winners in opening win

The 23-year-old returned to competitive tennis after nearly five months out with a wrist injury to beat Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Why it mattersThe defending champion's return from injury carries real doubt about his fitness, which will shape expectations for who wins the tournament's biggest matches.

AustraliaAustralian fans follow major tennis globally, and Alcaraz's return shapes forecasts for Australian interest in the remainder of the US Open.

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Boisson's racquet smash marks third grand slam first-round exit

Lois Boisson, once ranked 34th, lost her third consecutive grand slam first-round match and smashed her racquet in frustration.

Why it mattersShows how quickly elite players' careers can unravel after injury and how psychological momentum affects performance at major tournaments.

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Rain forces suspension of de Minaur's dominant US Open start

De Minaur led 6-2, 4-2 against Italian qualifier Andrea Guerrieri when rain suspended play at the US Open on Thursday, after finally taking the court on the tournament's fourth day.