SA's Lloyd Harris to face defending champion Alcaraz in US Open 2nd round

Carlos Alcaraz launched the defence of his US Open crown with a brisk victory after his opponent suffered an injury on Tuesday.

Alcaraz, returning to the same Arthur Ashe Stadium court where he lifted his first Grand Slam as a teenager a year ago, was always in control after Germany's Dominik Koepfer rolled his left ankle badly in the opening game.

Koepfer tried to continue despite being in obvious discomfort, but finally called it quits while trailing 3-2 in the second set after dropping the first 6-2.

"That's not the best way to get through into another round," said world number one Alcaraz. "But I have to say on my side I was playing great."

Carlos Alcaraz is into Round 2 after Dominik Koepfer retires following an ankle injury in the first set. pic.twitter.com/pijmD4EMNr

Alcaraz, who could face 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals, will next duel South Africa's Lloyd Harris in the second round.

Harris, the world No 177, cruised past Argentina's Guido Pela with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 6-4 scoreline. The Capetonian slammed 26 aces compared to his opponent's seven.

It will be the first ATP Tour meeting between Alcaraz and Harris.

Men

First round

Carlos Alcaraz (ESP x1) bt Dominik Koepfer (GER) 6-2, 3-2 - retired

Lloyd Harris (RSA) bt Guido Pella (ARG) 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 6-4

Botic van de Zandschulp (NED) bt Jordan Thompson (AUS) 6-3 - retired

Dan Evans (GBR x26) bt Daniel Elahi Galan (COL) 6-4, 6-2, 7-5

Arthur Fils (FRA) bt Tallon Griekspoor (NED x24) 4-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, 7-5

Matteo Arnaldi (ITA) bt Jason Kubler (AUS) 6-3, 3-0 - retired

Hsu Yu-hsiou (TPE) bt Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3

Cameron Norrie (GBR x16) bt Alexander Shevchenko (RUS) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2

Alexander Zverev (GER x12) bt Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) 6-4,