US Open defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has described Novak Djokovic’s first-round exit from the tournament as a “big surprise,” but says he is focused on progressing one match at a time.
Djokovic suffered a shock five-set defeat to Argentina’s Mariano Navone, losing 7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The defeat marked Djokovic’s first opening-round loss at the US Open and his first first-round exit at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open.
Reacting after his own straight-sets victory over Roman Safiullin, Alcaraz said he watched the fifth set of Djokovic’s match and was surprised to see the 24-time Grand Slam champion eliminated so early.
The Spaniard, however, said Djokovic’s exit would not make his own title defence easier, stressing that every Grand Slam match must be earned from the first ball to the last.
Alcaraz, who is returning from a four-month injury lay-off, said the potential semi-final meeting with Djokovic was still too far away for him to consider, adding that his focus remains on taking the tournament round by round.
Leave feedback about this