Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz’s path to the second round of the U.S. Open was paved by an unfortunate injury as his opponent, German Dominik Koepfer, retired from their primetime clash in Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 20-year-old Spanish top seed had assumed a 6-2, 3-2 lead when Koepfer, moments into the match, suffered a grimace-inducing ankle injury that prompted his withdrawal. Alcaraz is set to face South Africa’s Lloyd Harris in the upcoming round.
Anticipating the challenge ahead, Alcaraz acknowledged Koepfer’s prowess, saying, “He’s a great player, he has big shots so I have to be really focused on the match. Obviously (it) is going to be a tough one.”
The atmosphere in the iconic American stadium was electric as the match commenced. However, the contest’s narrative took an unforeseen turn as Koepfer’s injury cast a shadow. After twisting his left ankle along the baseline early on, Koepfer’s hopes of a spirited fight diminished. A medical timeout allowed for his ankle to be taped, but despite his return to the court, his diminished physical state was evident.
Alcaraz capitalized on the situation, converting a break point with a skillfully placed drop shot. As the match progressed, Koepfer’s resilience was palpable as he repelled break point opportunities. Yet, he privately confided in his team about the severity of his ankle issue, leading to discussions about whether he should continue.
Ultimately, Koepfer’s determination was overshadowed by his injury, and Alcaraz’s performance remained impressive. Displaying fine form, the Wimbledon champion delivered 19 winners while making minimal errors. A break to love in the second set solidified Alcaraz’s dominance, with Koepfer’s backhand shot landing out of bounds.
Koepfer valiantly defended against break point chances but approached the net with a solemn resolve, signaling his resignation from the match.
Following the encounter, Alcaraz lauded his opponent, stating, “Obviously I have to give credit to him. First step on the court, I felt great… the same energy that I felt last year.”
Alcaraz’s reign as world number one is set to conclude as the tournament concludes. Novak Djokovic’s commanding victory over Alexandre Muller propelled him into the top ranking, a transition that will take effect post-tournament. As the U.S. Open unfolds, the twists and turns of competition continue to captivate tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
