Zverev Survives Five-Set Thriller at US Open First Round

On September 2, 2026, Alexander Zverev, competing as the men's top seed for the first time at a Grand Slam, faced Lorenzo Sonego in a gripping first-round match at the US Open. Zverev triumphed with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-5, 6-4, in a marathon that lasted four hours and 52 minutes.

This victory prevented Zverev from becoming the first men's No. 1 seed to lose in the opening round of a Grand Slam since 2003. He entered the tournament under pressure following the withdrawal of defending champion Jannik Sinner due to a right knee injury.

Despite struggling to convert break-point opportunities, finishing 5-for-22, Zverev managed to break Sonego at crucial moments, particularly in the fourth set, to force a deciding fifth set. Ultimately, Zverev secured the decisive break at 3-2 in the final set and held on to win, expressing satisfaction with his resilience during the match.