Carlos Alcaraz through at US Open 2023 as Koepfer retires with injury

Updated 30/08/2023 at 23:09 GMT

Carlos Alcaraz was on court for a mere hour after the retirement of Dominik Koepfer due to an ankle injury, the world No. 1 was leading 6-2 3-2 against the German, beginning his US Open title defence with a quickfire victory. Up next is a meeting with the South African Lloyd Harris on Thursday.

'Let's get it' - Alcaraz ready to begin US Open title defence at Flushing Meadows

Reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz booked his place in round two of the US Open after only 60 minutes, following the retirement of Dominik Koepfer.

The Spaniard was leading 6-2 3-2 before Koepfer was forced off with an injury to his left ankle, as he attempted to reach an Alcaraz shot that went past the baseline.

There were early warning signs for the German, who received treatment at deuce in the first game of the first set but he succumbed to the injury in the second set.

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However, the world No. 75 could not overcome the pain barrier and Alcaraz moved into the next round.

Speaking after the match, Alcaraz said: "It's obviously not the best way to get through to the next round.

"It's very unfortunate for him but I was feeling really good on court. It's a court I love playing on. I felt the same energy I felt last year."

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Alcaraz will be replaced as world No. 1 by Novak Djokovic after the US Open, but the 20-year-old is confident in his ability to regain top spot by the close of 2023.

He said in his post-match press conference: "It's a goal for me. I said before that we are having a really good battle for the No. 1, Novak and I.

"I knew that he was going to recover the No. 1 after US Open. When the tournament is over, I will try to recover as soon as possible. That's my goal. I am working for that.

"The season has a lot of tournaments until the year is over. I'll try to recover it before the year ends."

For now, the Spaniard will focus on continuing his title defence against South African Lloyd Harris, and is aiming to become the first player to retain the US Open since Roger Federer managed to win five in a row between 2004 and 2008.

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