Updated Wednesday, August 30, 2023 – 04:14
The Spaniard was winning 6-2, 3-2 when his rival, who had sprained an ankle in the first game, decided to leave.
Alcaraz, in action against KoepferCLIVE BRUNSKILLGetty Images via AFP
As soon as the match began, after saving the second break point, Dominik Koepfer he sprained his left ankle and required the attention of the physical therapist. A bandage was applied and he returned to the track, but he was far from having them all with him. As if his chances were few before Carlos Alcaraz, they were even more compromised. The dialogues with his coach about his physical condition revealed the concern added to that of meeting the defending champion.
The German left-hander, 75, was able to continue on the court for a while longer, but decided to retire when he was losing 6-2 and 3-2, already breaking down in the second, after an hour of play. “It was a shame for him. I felt really good on the track and I hope to maintain the same level in the next round”, commented the winner at the foot of the track. “I have felt the same energy as last year.”
One day after Novak Djokovic started with a spectacular victory against Alexandre Muller that will allow him to return to the top of the ranking when the tournament ends, the Spaniard hardly suffered wear and tear in the Arthur Ashe and earned a place in the second round to face the South African Lloyd Harris177.
where it all started
New York is a central stage in Alcaraz’s career. It was at the US Open where he proclaimed to the world that he was ready to undertake the greatest challenges, when in the third round of 2021 he left behind Stefanos Tsitsipas. It was at Flushing Meadows where he won the first of his Grand Slam titles last year and emerged as the youngest number 1 ever. Now, as the lowest-aged first seed in the tournament, at 20 years and three months, he is looking for what will be his third major, after beating Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.
Dressed in a striking printed sleeveless shirt and Corinthian shorts, the El Palmar player tried to spark the night in a match that was ugly due to circumstances and with little rhythm. Battered by injuries in his already long career, the 29-year-old Koepfer had to give up sooner than he would have liked.
2023-08-30 02:14:28
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