Carlos Alcaraz has admitted Novak Djokovic’s dramatic first-round defeat at the US Open stunned him, though insists he will not become distracted by an apparently easier path to the final.
Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title ended in painful circumstances as Mariano Navone produced the biggest victory of his career.
The world No 49 recovered from losing the second and third sets to triumph 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Djokovic vomited into a towel bin and struggled with severe physical discomfort as his body deteriorated during the deciding stages.
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The emotional 39-year-old broke down in tears during the fifth set and appeared close to crying again after congratulating Navone at the net.
It was Djokovic’s first opening-round loss at the US Open and his earliest departure from any Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open.
His exit also removed the possibility of a blockbuster semi-final against defending champion Alcaraz, with both players having been placed in the same half of the draw.
Alcaraz stayed awake until nearly midnight to watch the conclusion of Djokovic’s defeat before beginning his own campaign against Roman Safiullin on Monday.
“I saw the fifth set,” the Spaniard revealed after beating Safiullin in straight sets.
“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.
“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.”
While Djokovic’s departure has opened Alcaraz’s section of the draw, the 23-year-old refused to begin contemplating the latter stages of the competition.
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“He was in my part of the draw, but it was in the semi’s,” he added. “For me, the semi’s are too far away, so I just try to go round by round.”
Alcaraz had significant concerns of his own after spending 139 days away from singles competition because of a right wrist injury.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion struck 28 winners against Safiullin and declared himself “pain free” following an encouraging comeback victory.
“It was a difficult day for me, but at the same time, a really beautiful one,” Alcaraz admitted.
“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.”
Djokovic, meanwhile, revealed that vomiting and physical pain have repeatedly affected him this season.
“My whole body starts to collapse basically, cramping and pain,” he explained. “The back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out.”
Alcaraz, whose record this season now stands at 23 victories and three defeats, will face Portuguese prospect Jaime Faria in the second round.
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