'Not thinking about defending': Carlos Alcaraz's bold remark after advancing in US Open

The US Open 2023 is underway, Carlos Alcaraz is the defending champion of the competition. Novak Djokovic and Alcaraz are the two favourites to win the men's singles title. Both the Tennis stars have successfully advanced to the second round. The Spaniard beat the German Dominik Koepfer in the first round of the US Open 2023. 

3 things you need to know 

• US Open 2023 is currently underway
• Carlos Alcaraz beat Dominik Koepfer in the first round, with a score of 6-2, 3-2 (Koepfer retired hurt)
• Djokovic vs Alcaraz is highly anticipated in the final of US Open 2023

Also Read: Venus Williams Suffers Her Most Lopsided US Open Loss: 6-1, 6-1 In The First Round

Carlos Alcaraz makes a huge statement after his victory

The top seed in the 2023 US Open, Carlos Alcaraz, easily advanced to the second round after Dominik Koepfer withdrew from the match because of an ankle ailment. Alcaraz was named the winner of the game on Tuesday, August 29, at the venerable Arthur Ashe Stadium with a score of 6-2, 3-2. On Thursday, he will compete against South Africa's Lloyd Harris in the second round.

Carlos Alcaraz highlighted his joy at returning to Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York after his successful title run the previous year during a press conference following the game. The 20-year-old emphasised that his present focus is on giving his best performance, just like he did the year before, rather than on defending his US Open championship or the pressure that comes with it. He said:

Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz Reveals His Inner Singer After He Elevates Into US Open's 2nd Round | WATCH

Well, I was excited to play my first round here in the US Open. I mean, it was great to step on court again in the Arthur Ashe after such a great run last year. I was excited to come back. I'm not thinking about defending the title. I was not thinking about I was the champion last year. I just focus on play my best level, to recover the level that I played last year, try to do same things that I did last year.

That's the only thing that I'm thinking right now. I try to be apart about all the pressure people put of me about the defending champion,

Will Carlos Alcaraz defend the US Open title?

Every Grand Slam is distinctive, but the US Open stands out since no winner of the men's singles division has been able to successfully defend his championship in the previous 15 years. Even the experienced tennis titans, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, were unable to win consecutive US Opens. 

Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam at the 2022 US Open, and since then he has added the Wimbledon crown to his collection by defeating Novak Djokovic in the final. Alcaraz's momentum is therefore strong, and it will be exciting to see the Spaniard give his best performances in America.