NEW YORK – Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning U.S. Open champion, may have relinquished his hold on the world’s top ranking, but his journey to defend his title commenced smoothly as his opponent, injured German Dominik Koepfer, retired during their match against the 20-year-old top seed on Tuesday.
The final Grand Slam of the season initiated with a leadership transition as Novak Djokovic’s convincing victory over Frenchman Alexandre Muller propelled him into the second round, securing his ascent to the number one spot. Djokovic’s elevation, effective when the rankings update on September 11, displaces Alcaraz from his coveted position.
For the duration of the Flushing Meadows fortnight, Alcaraz retains the number one moniker as he progresses to the second round. His journey began on a somewhat uneven note, with Koepfer twisting his ankle mere minutes into the match. The contest concluded with Alcaraz holding a commanding lead of 6-2, 3-2, following Koepfer’s retirement.
Undeterred by the recent change in his ranking status, Alcaraz maintains his focus on the task at hand. “I’m not thinking about defending the title. I was not thinking about I was the champion last year,” he stated to reporters. “I just focus on play my best level, to recover the level that I played last year, try to do same things that I did last year. That’s the only thing that I’m thinking right now.”
While Alcaraz and Djokovic command the spotlight, Daniil Medvedev, the third seed, should not be underestimated. The Russian, a former U.S. Open champion, launched his campaign impressively by vanquishing Hungarian Attila Balazs 6-1, 6-1, 6-0. Medvedev’s dominant display, featuring 41 winners, sets the stage for a second-round encounter with Australian Christopher O’Connell.
Meanwhile, Andy Murray, the 2012 U.S. Open victor, etched his name into history with his 200th Grand Slam match win. Displaying a resurgence of form reminiscent of his 2017 prowess, the 36-year-old overcame Frenchman Corentin Moutet 6-2, 7-5, 6-3. Murray’s second-round challenge will be Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov.
Italian sixth seed Jannik Sinner continued the momentum with a decisive triumph over German Yannick Hanfmann, prevailing with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-1, 6-1. Sinner’s commanding performance ushers him into a clash with fellow countryman Lorenzo Sonego.
In the women’s draw, second seed Aryna Sabalenka concluded her match against Belgian Maryna Zanevska with a score of 6-3, 6-2. With 27 winners to her credit, Sabalenka is set to face Britain’s Jodie Burrage in the upcoming round.
American Jessica Pegula added to the national representation in the second round as she dispatched Italy’s Camila Giorgi with ease, employing eight aces en route to her victory. As attention remains largely on compatriot Coco Gauff, Pegula expressed contentment with her position: “Coco can take it, that pressure, not me.” Pegula’s next challenge is Romanian Patricia Maria Tig.
Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, experienced a setback in her quest to advance past the opening round for the first time since 2019. Williams succumbed to Belgian qualifier Greet Minnen in her 100th U.S. Open match with a score of 6-1, 6-1.
As the U.S. Open unfolds, the stage is set for compelling showdowns and fierce competition, with athletes striving to etch their names in tennis history.
