Second seed Carlos Alcaraz begins his quest for a sixth Grand Slam crown and a second US Open title on Monday, facing big-serving American Reilly Opelka under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who lifted the trophy in Flushing Meadows in 2022, could set up yet another high-profile meeting with Italy’s Jannik Sinner later in the fortnight if both advance. The night session also features 45-year-old Venus Williams, handed a wild card for what will be a record-extending 25th appearance at her home major. The seven-time major champion meets Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova as a ceremony marks the 75th anniversary of trailblazer Althea Gibson’s debut at the event. Earlier on day two, two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova bowed out in the first round, her 6-1, 6-0 defeat to France’s Diane Parry drawing an emotional curtain on the 35-year-old Czech’s career.