Alcaraz Advances at US Open, Calls Djokovic's Early Exit a 'Big Surprise'

Carlos Alcaraz opened his US Open campaign with a convincing straight-sets victory over Roman Safiullin on Monday, but the Spaniard's post-match comments were dominated by the shock departure of Novak Djokovic the previous day.

Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, suffered a five-set defeat to Mariano Navone on Sunday, ending his tournament in the first round. It was the Serbian's earliest exit at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, and it removed the possibility of a semi-final meeting between Djokovic and Alcaraz, who were drawn in the same half.

Alcaraz, who watched the closing stages of Djokovic's match, admitted he was taken aback by the result. "I saw the fifth set," he said, as quoted by ATP. "Obviously it was the first time that Novak lost in the first round here in this tournament, so it's a big surprise. Someone like Novak going out in the first round, it's surprising."

Despite the significance of Djokovic's departure, Alcaraz insisted it would not alter his approach. "But every Grand Slam is really difficult to get through every round, every player. It's really tough. You have to earn the win (from) the first ball until the last one," he said. "He was in my part of the draw, but it was in the semis. For me, the semis are too far away, so I just try to go round by round."

Alcaraz's own return to the court was notable for more than just the result. The 23-year-old Spaniard had been sidelined since April with a right wrist injury, and he admitted the layoff made his return a nerve-wracking experience. "It was the first time that Novak lost in the first round here, so it's a big surprise," he said, before describing his own feelings.

"Obviously it was the first time that Novak lost in the first round here in this tournament, so it's a big surprise," Alcaraz reiterated. "Someone like Novak going out in the first round, it's surprising."

He added: "I saw the fifth set. Obviously it was the first time that Novak lost in the first round here in this tournament, so it's a big surprise. Someone like Novak going out in the first round, it's surprising."

Alcaraz, who had been sidelined since April with a right wrist injury, admitted the layoff brought an unfamiliar level of nervousness. "It was a really tough time for me, so I'm really happy to be back," he said. "Starting the day I was really nervous, thinking 'I'm going to make it, I'm going to compete again'. I had more nerves than usual, but just happy to be here."

His match against Safiullin, however, showed no signs of rust. Alcaraz recorded 28 winners and said he felt no pain, a positive sign after his injury layoff. The win improved his season record to 23-3.

Alcaraz will next face Portugal's Jaime Faria in the second round. Despite the draw opening up with Djokovic's exit, Alcaraz remains focused on the immediate task. "I just try to go round by round," he reiterated.

Djokovic's loss to Navone marks the first time he has been eliminated in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, a testament to the enduring competitiveness of the Serbian, who had not exited a major this early in nearly two decades.

  • Perspectives:
  • Alcaraz's View: From his perspective, Djokovic's exit is surprising, but he emphasizes the difficulty of every Grand Slam round and his focus on taking it match by match.
  • Injury Recovery: Alcaraz's return from a wrist injury adds a layer of personal challenge; he admitted to feeling nervous and is taking a cautious approach.
  • Implications for the Draw: With Djokovic out, the men's draw opens up, but Alcaraz downplays any thoughts of a potential semi-final, stressing the long road ahead.