Carlos Alcaraz Reacts To Djokovic’s Shock US Open Exit, Calls Defeat A Big Surprise

Carlos Alcaraz has reacted to Novak Djokovic’s shock first-round defeat at the US Open, describing the Serbian’s early exit as a major surprise.

Alcaraz made the comments after launching his own campaign at Flushing Meadows with a victory over Roman Safiullin. The Spaniard revealed that he watched the fifth set of Djokovic’s match against Mariano Navone before the 24-time Grand Slam champion suffered an unexpected defeat.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Djokovic’s loss marked the first time he had been eliminated in the opening round of the US Open, a result that caught Alcaraz off guard.

“I saw the fifth set. And well, obviously it was the first time that Novak lost the first round here in this tournament. So it’s a big surprise, to be honest,” Alcaraz said.

The four-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged that Djokovic’s departure could potentially open up a clearer route to the semi-finals for him in that section of the draw. However, Alcaraz insisted that he was not looking too far ahead and would concentrate on each match as it comes.

“You say it was in my part of the draw, but, you know, he was in the semi. So for me, the semi is too far away. So I just try to be on my run,” he said.

Alcaraz also discussed the physical demands of returning to best-of-five-set tennis, noting that players can require time to readjust after competing primarily in shorter formats.

“The body gets used to not playing five sets. When you get back to that rhythm of competition, a Grand Slam, well, physically, you think, if you’re going to hold on or not,” he added.