Alcaraz, Sinner survive wobbles

OVERCOME BLIPS AS OSAKA STUNS OSTAPENKO

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Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz survived US Open first round wobbles on Tuesday to stay on course for a semifinal showdown as two-time champion Naomi Osaka made a tearful and colourful return to Flushing Meadows.

World No 1 Sinner fought back from a set and break down to defeat 140th-ranked Mackenzie McDonald in his first match since being embroiled in a doping test controversy.

Alcaraz, the third seed and 2022 champion in New York, overcame a second set blip to defeat 186th-ranked qualifier Li Tu of Australia 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.

Italian Sinner battled to a 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 win over American opponent McDonald on Arthur Ashe Stadium, racing away with 18 of the last 22 games.