US Open Highlights: Carlos Alcaraz began his title defence in the US Open 2023 after Dominik Koepfer retired midway from the first round contest on Wednesday, 30th August. The German retired within 60 minutes with Alcaraz leading 6-2, 3-2 in the contest.
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The German World No. 75 suffered a freak ankle injury just six points into the match when he rolled his left ankle while moving backwards as an Alcaraz stroke sailed over the baseline. The 29-year-old received treatment in the first game. He battled until midway through the second set, when eventually the pain became too much to bear.
“It’s obviously not the best way to get through to the next round,” said Alcaraz, who debuted an artistic sleeveless match shirt. “Very unfortunate for him but I was feeling really good on court. It’s a court I love playing in. I felt the same energy I felt last year.”
Alcaraz, who will next meet South African Lloyd Harris in the second round. He is attempting to become the first player to successfully defend the men’s title at the US Open since Roger Federer won five straight between 2004-08.
Because he is dropping 2000 points as the defending champion, regardless of results Alcaraz will surrender World No. 1 in the ATP Rankings on 12 September to Novak Djokovic, who has no points to defend because he did not play the event last year.
