Injury wave persists at US Open as Alcaraz returns and Sabalenka advances

A cascade of injuries has kept several marquee tennis players out of major tournaments, including Carlos Alcaraz, who missed the French Open and Wimbledon with a wrist injury, and Jannik Sinner, who remains out with a knee problem. Other absences include Lorenzo Musetti, Arthur Fils, Elena Rybakina, Victoria Mboko and Jack Draper. At the US Open, Alcaraz returned to competition after missing four months, while defending champion Aryna Sabalenka moved past her opponent in the first round. Novak Djokovic was eliminated by Mariano Navone, removing a potential semifinal contender, and the field continues to be shaped by the ongoing injury concerns.