Alexander Zverev Survives Five-Set Thriller to Advance at US Open
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Top seed Alexander Zverev narrowly avoided a major upset at the US Open after battling past Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in a dramatic five-set first-round contest that finished early Wednesday morning.
Zverev eventually secured a 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-5, 6-4 victory after nearly five hours on court, overcoming several difficult moments to keep his campaign alive.
The German was under serious pressure for much of the match and struggled to convert his opportunities on Sonego’s serve. He finished the contest with only five successful breaks from 22 chances.
Sonego’s exceptional movement and defensive play repeatedly frustrated Zverev. The Italian chased down numerous shots that appeared destined to become winners and produced several important serves at crucial moments.
Despite the difficulties, Zverev managed to find a way through in the decisive stages. He finally broke Sonego late in the fourth set and maintained his advantage in the fifth to complete the victory after four hours and 52 minutes.
“Nearly five hours for a first round, I think this is the longest first-round match I’ve ever played in my life,” Zverev said after the match. He also praised Sonego for producing a level of tennis that could have troubled many opponents.
Zverev Avoids Unwanted Grand Slam Record
The victory was particularly important for Zverev because he was at risk of becoming the first men’s No. 1 seed to lose in the opening round of a Grand Slam since 2003.
The last player to defeat a top-seeded man in the first round of a major was Ivo Karlovic, who beat Lleyton Hewitt at Wimbledon in 2003. At the US Open, the feat had not occurred since Alexander Volkov defeated Stefan Edberg in 1990.
Zverev entered the tournament with a perfect 7-0 record against Sonego, but the Italian came close to ending that run with an impressive performance.
A New Chapter for Zverev
Zverev has entered the US Open as the top seed for the first time in his career.
The German won his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open and subsequently reached the Wimbledon final, where he was defeated by Jannik Sinner.
Sinner was originally expected to be among the leading contenders in New York but withdrew from the tournament because of a right knee injury. His absence resulted in Zverev becoming the No. 1 seed.
With his first-round challenge now behind him, Zverev will look to recover quickly and build momentum as he continues his pursuit of another Grand Slam title.
