Alcaraz sees off Safiullin 6-4 6-4 6-4 in US Open opener

Carlos Alcaraz opened his US Open campaign with a controlled 6-4 6-4 6-4 win over Roman Safiullin in the first round, taking each set by a single break without ever losing the thread. The Spaniard's platform was his first delivery, landed 70 percent of the time and won at 67.1 percent, and he was steadier behind the second ball too, claiming 56.7 percent to Safiullin's 54.8. The Russian struck nine aces to Alcaraz's two, but got his first serve in only 65.6 percent of the time. Five double faults aside, Alcaraz moved through in straight sets.