Naomi Osaka Emotional in Return as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz Survive US Open Hurdles

On Tuesday, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz managed to navigate through challenging first-round matches at the US Open, setting up a potential semi-final clash. Sinner, the world number one, recovered from a set and a break down to overcome Mackenzie McDonald, ranked 140th, in his first match since being embroiled in a doping test controversy. Alcaraz, the third seed and 2022 New York champion, bounced back from a second-set hiccup to defeat Australian qualifier Li Tu 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.

The Italian player Sinner secured a 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 victory over McDonald at Arthur Ashe Stadium, dominating the final stages by winning 18 of the last 22 games. This was Sinner’s return to competition just a week after news broke of his failed drug tests from March, although he avoided a long suspension due to the circumstances surrounding the banned substance clostebol.

Alcaraz faced Tu in the night session, with Tu initially impressing despite his lack of tour victories this year. Although Tu managed to level the match in the second set, Alcaraz ultimately clinched his 15th consecutive Grand Slam match win. Alcaraz acknowledged Tu’s improved performance, noting that the Australian player grew into the match.

Naomi Osaka, making her comeback after missing last year’s tournament due to childbirth, delighted fans with a vibrant outfit and a convincing performance against 10th seed Jelena Ostapenko. Osaka, now ranked 88th, secured her first top-10 win in four years with a 6-3, 6-2 victory. Her emotional return was marked by her heartfelt gratitude for being back on the court.

World number one Iga Swiatek advanced past Kamilla Rakhimova, despite saving three set points in the second set, with a 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) win. Swiatek, aiming for her second New York title, improved her season record to 54 match wins, though she struggled with 41 unforced errors.

Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, progressed with a four-set win over Dujan Lajovic, while Greek 11th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was unexpectedly defeated by Thanasi Kokkinakis in a four-set match. Stan Wawrinka, the 2016 champion, fell short in his attempt to win a match at 39, losing to Italian qualifier Mattia Bellucci.

Additionally, former champions Bianca Andreescu and Emma Raducanu were eliminated, with Andreescu losing to Jasmine Paolini and Raducanu falling to Sofia Kenin. In the longest match in US Open history, Britain’s Dan Evans defeated 23rd seed Karen Khachanov in a five-hour, 35-minute marathon, concluding 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-4.