Alcaraz to Face Safiullin in US Open First Round
Listen to the story
Carlos Alcaraz will begin his US Open campaign against Roman Safiullin in the first round.
The Spanish player is placed in the same half of the draw as Novak Djokovic.
Because of this, the two stars could only meet in the later stages of the tournament, not the first round.
Alcaraz is preparing for his return to top-level tennis after a period away from big competition.
Former tennis star Mats Wilander has spoken confidently about Alcaraz's chances at this year's US Open.
Wilander suggested that if Alcaraz wins his first three matches, he could have a strong and even triumphant tournament.
This shows that experts believe Alcaraz still has the ability to fight for the title.
Greg Rusedski, another former professional player, also commented on Alcaraz's comeback during a sports program.
The discussion took place on the Spanish TV show Deportes Antena 3 MediodÃa, which covered news about the tournament.
Fans and analysts are watching closely to see how Alcaraz performs in his opening match.
His result against Safiullin will give an early sign of his form heading into the tournament.
The US Open is one of the four biggest tennis tournaments in the world, known as Grand Slams.
It takes place every year in New York and attracts the top players from around the world.
Alcaraz has previously shown he can compete at the highest level in Grand Slam events.
Now, all eyes are on his first match to see if he can begin strongly.
Vocabulary10 words
- campaign
- a series of matches in one event
- draw
- the list showing who plays who in a tournament
- comeback
- a return to playing after time away
- analyst
- a person who studies and explains something, like sports
- triumphant
- very successful; winning strongly
- former
- someone who used to have a role, not anymore
- opening match
- the very first match in a tournament
- Grand Slam
- one of the four biggest tennis tournaments
- form
- how well a player is playing right now
- stage
- a part of a competition, like early or late
Quiz
Answer key
1. Roman Safiullin 2. They are in the same half of the draw 3. Winning his first three matches
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Carlos Alcaraz will begin his US Open _____ against Roman Safiullin in the first round.
The Spanish player is placed in the same _____ of the draw as Novak Djokovic.
Because of this, the two stars could only meet in the later _____ of the tournament.
Alcaraz is preparing for his _____ to top-level tennis after a period away from big competition.
Former tennis star Mats Wilander has spoken confidently about Alcaraz's _____ at this year's US Open.
Wilander suggested that if Alcaraz wins his first three matches, he could have a strong and even _____ tournament.
Greg Rusedski, another former professional player, also commented on Alcaraz's _____ during a sports program.
Fans and _____ are watching closely to see how Alcaraz performs in his opening match.
His result against Safiullin will give an early sign of his _____ heading into the tournament.
The US Open is one of the four biggest tennis tournaments, known as _____ Slams.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think fans are excited about Alcaraz's comeback?
- Do you agree with Wilander's opinion about Alcaraz's chances? Why or why not?
- What makes the US Open such an important tournament?
- How important is a player's first match in showing their overall form?