Carlos Alcaraz beat Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 at the US Open, taking the match with superior play on break points. Alcaraz converted four of the seven chances against Safiullin's serve, while Safiullin could only convert one of his six chances. Safiullin hit more aces, but Alcaraz saved five of six break points he faced.
The opening set turned on a single break in game seven, with Alcaraz moving ahead at 3-4. Safiullin answered in the second set by breaking in game two, but Alcaraz broke back immediately in game three and added another break in game seven at 3-4. Alcaraz then grabbed the only break he needed in game three of the third set at 1-2, closing out each set 6-4.
The most telling line was Alcaraz holding 13 of 14 service games despite Safiullin's 9-2 edge in aces. Safiullin matched Alcaraz with 35 return points won, but Alcaraz was ruthless in the key moments, converting four breaks and snuffing out Safiullin's comeback chances.