WHAT HAPPENED: Carlos Alcaraz certainly does not need any help to rack up wins in Arthur Ashe Stadium. But on Tuesday night, in the Spaniard's first US Open appearance since lifting last year's men's singles title, the world No. 1 was the beneficiary of a retirement from Dominik Koepfer after an hour of play.
In an unfortunate opening game, the German turned his ankle, leaving him hampered for the rest of the match. He fought hard to win two games in each of the first two sets, but ultimately retired with Alcaraz leading, 6-2, 3-2.
"It was a shame for him in the first game, he got injured with the ankle," Alcaraz said post-match. "Obviously that's not the best way to get through to another round. But I have to say for myself that I was playing great, I was playing really well on court. Hopefully I can keep the same level in the next round."
Alcaraz fought off two early break points as Koepfer upped his aggression in a bid to shorten points. The tactic worked in spurts, but the German knew it was unsustainable, bowing out after winning four straight points on serve in the second set.
WHAT IT MEANS: Alcaraz continues his love affair with the biggest stadium in tennis.
"This is a court that I love playing in," the 20-year-old said of the Ashe stage. "Since the first step on the court [tonight] I felt great, I felt amazing—the same energy that I felt last year. It was a great start to the match and I think I played and I felt really well during the match."
The Spaniard will need more of the same if he is to become the first man to defend the US Open singles title since Roger Federer reigned from 2004-08. Next up in his repeat bid is a second-round matchup with South Africa's Lloyd Harris, who beat Guido Pella in straight sets earlier on Tuesday.
Alcaraz will hope to be singing another winning tune after their Thursday matchup.
For the 29-year-old Koepfer, ranked world No. 75, his 2019 US Open fourth-round run remains his best result at a major.
MATCH POINT: Alcaraz will leave New York as the world No. 2, with Novak Djokovic guaranteed to reclaim the top spot in the ATP rankings following the Flushing fortnight. Can the Spaniard soften the blow by claiming his second US Open crown?
