New York (AFP) – After the drama surrounding Novak Djokovic's unexpected exit, the US Open welcomed its reigning champions with Aryna Sabalenka securing a win before the much-anticipated return of Carlos Alcaraz to the courts.

In other circumstances, the Spanish player would be the clear favorite for the last Grand Slam trophy of the year, especially with the absence of world number one Jannik Sinner due to a knee injury. However, Alcaraz is stepping onto the court for the first time in 139 days, having been sidelined by a wrist injury that forced him to withdraw from the Barcelona tournament.

The challenge of defending his title in Flushing Meadows is monumental. Only one man, Roger Federer, has successfully defended this trophy in the 21st century, with five remarkable victories from 2004 to 2008. Alcaraz, who missed both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, is eager to return to competition and regain his sensational 14-match winning streak in Grand Slams.

Last year, he triumphed in New York and again in February at the Australian Open, becoming the youngest player to hold all four major titles. On the Arthur Ashe main court, under the sunny New York sky, he will face Russian Roman Safiullin, who has already proven he can beat the Spaniard. Ranked 99th in the ATP, Safiullin holds a 1-1 record against Alcaraz and aims to be the first to defeat him in a Grand Slam first round.

If successful, Safiullin would capitalize on the opening left by Djokovic, who lost in the first round to Argentine Mariano Navone, marking the first time Djokovic has exited the US Open in the opening round. This unexpected result has raised concerns about whether tennis fans will see a competitive version of Djokovic again, especially at 39 years old as he chases his dream of a 25th Grand Slam title.

The second day of matches at Flushing Meadows was particularly busy due to the suspension of several matches on Sunday afternoon due to rain. Argentine Thiago Tirante, who defeated Djokovic earlier this month at the Cincinnati Masters 1000, could not recover from a deficit in the fifth set against Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, who won 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

Among the American tennis stars hoping to bring the trophy home for the first time since 2003 are Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and Brandon Nakashima, who will face Argentine Sebastián Baez.

In the women's bracket, all eyes were on reigning two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka, who passed her first test with a solid victory over Colombian Camila Osorio. The world number one defeated Osorio (ranked 59th) with a score of 6-2, 6-4 in her debut on the main court.

"It means a lot to be back and have the opportunity for a three-peat," said Sabalenka, who is under pressure at this year's final Grand Slam. She has been experiencing a dip in form since her double win earlier this year in Indian Wells and Miami and has much to lose in New York, where she has reached the last three finals. Her WTA lead, nearing 100 weeks, is at risk from several players, particularly Elena Rybakina, who could take the top spot if she advances to the semifinals without Sabalenka being able to stop her.

Sabalenka can further her legacy at the tournament with a third consecutive title, a feat not achieved since Serena Williams from 2012 to 2014, starting with her victory over Osorio, who gained confidence during the match and even took a 3-2 lead in the second set, having two break points.

Ultimately, Sabalenka held her ground and finished the match in one hour and 27 minutes, setting up a next-round clash with Russian Polina Iatcenko.