Alexander Zverev, now seeded No. 1 in a Grand Slam event for the first time, showcased his resilience after a challenging match at the U.S. Open. Despite facing a potential early exit, the French Open victor persevered to defeat Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-5, 6-4 in a marathon lasting almost five hours, concluding in the early hours of Wednesday.
Following Novak Djokovic’s unexpected elimination in a previous match, Zverev’s victory prevented another upset as he narrowly avoided being ousted from the tournament. With top-ranked Jannik Sinner sidelined due to a knee injury, Zverev’s performance ensured he maintained the top seed status, narrowly escaping becoming the first top-seeded male player to exit in the first round of a major event since 2003.
Expressing relief at his hard-fought win, Zverev stated, “I’m pleased to have emerged victorious from this intense battle. This match was precisely what I needed.”
Meanwhile, Coco Gauff enjoyed a smoother start to her U.S. Open campaign, defeating Zeynep Sonmez 6-3, 6-4. Gauff, a former U.S. Open titleholder, demonstrated her ability to elevate her game when necessary, setting the stage for a second-round matchup against Paula Badosa or Daria Kasatkina.
In another captivating match, Flavio Cobolli staged a remarkable comeback from two sets down, while Maria Sakkari, the No. 32 seed, overcame a significant deficit to secure a victory. Cobolli’s resilience propelled him to defeat Francisco Comesana 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, a feat achieved after strategic changes during a pivotal bathroom break.
The day’s play was further marked by rain delays that disrupted matches on outer courts, limiting action to venues with retractable roofs. Despite the weather challenges, players like Madison Keys and Elena Rybakina managed to secure wins, advancing in the tournament. Keys, the No. 22 seed, reflected on the difficulty of facing young and talented opponents in the early rounds of a Grand Slam event, underscoring the mental fortitude required to navigate such encounters successfully.
The U.S. Open continues to unfold with thrilling matchups and unexpected turnarounds, promising more excitement in the days ahead.