{"id":835,"date":"2023-08-30T12:46:51","date_gmt":"2023-08-30T12:46:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/not-thinking-about-title-defence-alcaraz-the-express-tribune\/"},"modified":"2023-08-30T12:46:51","modified_gmt":"2023-08-30T12:46:51","slug":"not-thinking-about-title-defence-alcaraz-the-express-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/not-thinking-about-title-defence-alcaraz-the-express-tribune\/","title":{"rendered":"Not thinking about title defence: Alcaraz | The Express Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\nNEW YORK:
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Carlos Alcaraz<\/a> said retaining the US Open title was not on his mind as he began the defence of his crown Tuesday with a swift win over injured German opponent Dominik Koepfer.<\/p>\n

The world number one moved into the second round when the 75th-ranked Koepfer retired because of an ankle injury with the Spaniard leading 6-2, 3-2 under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium.<\/p>\n

“That’s not the best way to get through into another round,” said Alcaraz, “but I have to say on my side I was playing great.”<\/p>\n

“I started pretty well. Really focused. Honestly, I didn’t expect to play such a great level the beginning, the first round, here in the US Open.<\/p>\n

“I am very, very happy with the level, even if Domi had to retire. Have to see myself and hopefully to keep that level into the next round.”<\/p>\n

Alcaraz entered a Grand Slam as the defending champion for the first time, but the 20-year-old tried to downplay the significance of being the player to beat in New York.<\/p>\n

“I was excited to play my first round here in US Open. I mean, it was great to step on court again in the Arthur Ashe after such a great run last year. I was excited to come back,” he said.<\/p>\n

“I’m not thinking about defending the title. I was not thinking about I was the champion last year. I just focus on playing my best level, to recover the level that I played last year, try to do same things that I did last year.<\/p>\n

“That’s the only thing that I’m thinking right now. I try to be apart about all the pressure people put of me about the defending champion.”<\/p>\n

Koepfer’s night was effectively cut short when he rolled his left ankle in the opening game of the match, and required a medical timeout.<\/p>\n

He gamely fought on for an hour before eventually accepting his fate, not wanting to further aggravate the injury.<\/p>\n

“Being on Ashe, playing against Carlos for the first time. Probably the biggest match I’ve played in my tennis career so far,” said Koepfer.<\/p>\n

“It’s by far the coolest experience I’ve had, up to deuce in the first game. It didn’t last long but still you want to soak those moments up and I wanted to try my best.<\/p>\n

“I can’t say I didn’t try. I took painkillers, got it taped, but it got worse and worse. There’s no point in ruining the rest of the year.”<\/p>\n

Alcaraz will play big-serving South African Lloyd Harris for a place in the last 32.<\/p>\n

He will surrender top spot to Djokovic<\/a> after the US Open but admitted he was eager to reclaim the number one ranking before the end of the season.<\/p>\n

“Well, right now it’s a goal for me honestly. I said before that we are having a really good battle for the No 1, Novak and I,” said Alcaraz.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“The season has a lot of tournaments until the year is over. I’ll try to recover it before the year ends.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n