Alexander Zverev, now the top-seeded player in a Grand Slam event for the first time and buoyed by his recent major title, faced a close call at the U.S. Open. The French Open victor clawed back to defeat Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-5, 6-4 after a marathon match lasting nearly five hours that concluded in the early hours of Wednesday.
Just days after Novak Djokovic’s shocking exit, Zverev almost suffered a similar fate, risking an upset that would have been the first by a top-seeded player in the opening round of a major tournament since 2003. Despite the pressure, Zverev expressed relief at winning the hard-fought battle, emphasizing the significance of the victory.
Meanwhile, Coco Gauff breezed through her opening match at the U.S. Open, defeating Zeynep Sonmez 6-3, 6-4 with a strong performance. Gauff’s confidence and form were evident as she swiftly controlled the match, setting the stage for a second-round encounter with either Paula Badosa or Daria Kasatkina.
In another eventful night at the tournament, Gael Monfils and Alex Eala delighted the crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Monfils, celebrating his 40th birthday, secured a win, while Eala triumphed over Mary Stoiana with strong support from her Filipino fans. Gauff, who struggled last year at Flushing Meadows, returned this season as a formidable contender, backed by recent successes in Cincinnati and a title at the U.S. Open.
On the men’s side, Flavio Cobolli staged a remarkable comeback from two sets down, avoiding an early exit, while Maria Sakkari rallied from a significant deficit to defeat Robin Montgomery. Their resilience and determination were on full display, showcasing the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam competition.
Rain disruptions persisted, affecting match schedules and causing delays in completing some first-round encounters. Despite the challenges posed by weather conditions, players like Madison Keys and Elena Rybakina managed to secure victories, navigating through tough opposition to advance in the tournament. The U.S. Open continues to showcase thrilling performances and unexpected twists as the competition unfolds.