Roman Safiullin vs Carlos Alcaraz Preview & Prediction | 2026 US Open | First Round

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Roman Safiullin meets Carlos Alcaraz in the first round at the 2026 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA

Start date/time: 30 August 2026 at 4:00 pm

Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – ESPN

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – ESPN+

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Roman Safiullin vs Carlos Alcarazticket information

Roman Safiullin vs Carlos Alcaraz prediction

Carlos Alcaraz makes his long-awaited return to singles action in what will be a third meeting with Roman Safiullin.

The Spaniard will begin his title defence with question marks over his wrist following a four-month absence and that may well give his Russian opponent belief he can take advantage of any rustiness.

World number 98 Safiullin has beaten Alcaraz before with their head-to-head level at 1-1 and his excellent run at Wimbledon has put the 29-year-old back inside the top 100.

That said, if Alcaraz is anywhere near fit, he should come good in a best of five, although he may have to cough up a decent number of games, so that may be where the value is in this showdown as the odds on Carlitos to win aren’t worth exploring. 

Roman Safiullin vs Carlos Alcaraz tip: Over 30.5 games