Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz advanced through the first round of the US Open on Tuesday, both overcoming initial challenges to stay on track for a potential semifinal clash. Sinner, ranked No. 1, rallied from a set and break down to defeat Mackenzie McDonald 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2, on Arthur Ashe Stadium. This win came just after he was cleared of a doping controversy involving clostebol, which he attributed to a contaminated substance rather than intentional use.
Alcaraz, the third seed and 2022 champion, also faced a scare but managed to secure his place in the second round by overcoming a second-set lapse to beat Australian qualifier Li Tu 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. The Spanish player, who is aiming to achieve a rare Grand Slam sweep, noted Tu's improved play but ultimately extended his winning streak to 15 consecutive Grand Slam matches.
Naomi Osaka made a significant return to Flushing Meadows after a year's absence, marked by a touching victory over 10th seed Jelena Ostapenko. The former world No. 1, now ranked 88th, won 6-3, 6-2, showcasing a blend of powerful serves and precise shots, highlighted by her vibrant outfit and emotional post-match reflection. Osaka expressed her deep appreciation for being back on the court and her victory's emotional significance.
In other results, top-seeded Iga Swiatek narrowly advanced with a two-set win over Kamilla Rakhimova, while Daniil Medvedev and Thanasi Kokkinakis also progressed. Meanwhile, veteran Stan Wawrinka's bid to make a late-career impact was thwarted by Mattia Bellucci, and former champions Bianca Andreescu and Emma Raducanu were ousted by their respective opponents. In a historic marathon, Dan Evans triumphed in the longest match in US Open history, defeating Karen Khachanov in a five-hour, 35-minute epic.
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