Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame a second-set loss to Australian qualifier Li Tu before securing a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory in the first round of the US Open. Alcaraz, who was initially dominant, faced a resilient Tu who rallied to win the second set. The Spaniard regained control in the third set and sealed the win with an impressive display of power and precision.