Carlos Alcaraz is facing a huge task of becoming the first player since Roger Federer to defend his US Open title.
Reigning US Open champions Carlos Alcaraz went through to the second round after his opponent Dominik Koepfer suffered an unfortunate ankle injury and had to retire. Koepfer tried to continue despite being in obvious discomfort, but finally called it quits while trailing 3-2 in the second set after dropping the first 6-2.
The Spanish champiom, who has enthralled the fans with his superb performance in the previous year, showed his class as he acknowledged Koepfer's injury and stated that it was not the idea way to secure a victory. However, Alcaraz lauded his own form on the court, and wants to maintain the same in the forthcoming rounds.
"It was a shame for him in the first game, he got injured with the ankle," Alcaraz said post-match. "Obviously that's not the best way to get through to another round. But I have to say for myself that I was playing great, I was playing really well on court. Hopefuly I can keep the same level in the next round."
"This is a court that I love playing in," Alcaraz said of the iconic Ashe stage. "Since the first step on the court [tonight] I felt great, I felt amazing—the same energy that I felt last year. It was a great start to the match and I think I played and I felt really well during the match."
Later, in the post-match interview, Alcaraz was quizzed about his 'buddy' Sebastian Yatra, who was also present in the crowd. The interviewer asked the world number two to sing a few lines from a song and Alcaraz did not dissapoint. The cameras then panned out to Yatra and he too, was seen grooving to Alcaraz's tunes.
Alcaraz's next opponent is South Africa's Llyod Harris, who would present a tough challenge to the Spanish star. The tennis world will wait in anticipation to witness Alcaraz's skill and determination as he looks to continue his winning streak and secure another title.