US Open: Naomi Osaka Returns as Sinner and Alcaraz Survive First-Round Scares

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz both encountered challenging moments during their first-round matches at the US Open but managed to advance, setting the stage for a potential semi-final clash. Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka made an emotional return to Flushing Meadows, marking her first US Open appearance since giving birth last year.

World number one Sinner overcame a significant challenge from Mackenzie McDonald, ranked 140th, rallying from a set and a break down to secure a win in his first match amid recent doping allegations. He succeeded in turning the match around to triumph with scores of 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2. Sinner had been under scrutiny after failing two drug tests for clostebol but avoided a ban due to a ruling that he was not at fault.

Carlos Alcaraz, the third seed and last year’s champion, experienced a brief setback against Australian qualifier Li Tu, ranked 186th, before taking control to win 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. Alcaraz’s victory marked his 15th consecutive win in Grand Slam matches.

Naomi Osaka, previously ranked number one and now 88th, delivered a strong performance against 10th seed Jelena Ostapenko, winning 6-3, 6-2. This victory was her first against a top 10 opponent in four years. Osaka, known for her powerful serve, dominated with nine aces and only five unforced errors. Her colorful attire, complete with a giant bow and frilly skirt, highlighted her return to the grand stage.

Other notable matches included Iga Swiatek, the world number one and French Open champion, narrowly overcoming Kamilla Rakhimova 6-4, 7-6 (8/6). Swiatek struggled with unforced errors but extended her season’s best record to 54 wins. Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas also progressed, although Tsitsipas was upset by Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis.

In a historic moment, Britain’s Dan Evans won the longest match in US Open history, a grueling five-hour, 35-minute battle against Karen Khachanov, with scores of 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-4.

Meanwhile, past champions Stan Wawrinka, Bianca Andreescu, and Emma Raducanu were all eliminated, highlighting the tournament’s intense competition and unpredictability.