Carlos Alcaraz surprised by Novak Djokovic's early US Open departure

The defending champion watched the fifth set of Djokovic's match before beginning his own title defence at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where he defeated Russian Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Djokovic had never previously lost in the opening round of the US Open, and his departure has significantly altered the landscape of Alcaraz's section of the draw. Despite that, the No. 3 seed was unwilling to look too far ahead.

Instead, Alcaraz said he was more interested in what Djokovic's result meant for the tournament as a whole, while keeping his attention on rediscovering his Grand Slam rhythm.

"I saw the fifth set. And well, obviously it was the first time that Novak losing the first round here in this tournament. So it's a big surprise, to be honest," Alcaraz said at press conference.

"Someone like Novak going out in the tournament in the first round, it's surprising. But, you know, here it's, you know, every Grand Slam is really difficult to get through every round."

He added: "Every player, you know, it's really tough. You have to earn, you know, the win since the first ball until the last one." 

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