Alexander Zverev, now seeded No. 1 in a major competition for the first time, faced a tough challenge in the U.S. Open after recently clinching a significant title. In a marathon match lasting nearly five hours and concluding early Wednesday, the French Open champion narrowly defeated Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-5, 6-4. This victory spared Zverev from an early exit, following the surprising elimination of Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, two nights prior.
With top-ranked Jannik Sinner sidelined due to a knee injury, Zverev was elevated to the No. 1 seed at the U.S. Open. Avoiding defeat in this match was crucial as he would have been the first top-seeded male player to fall in the first round of a major since 2003. Expressing relief after the grueling battle, Zverev commented that this match was precisely what he needed.
Meanwhile, Coco Gauff had a smoother start to her U.S. Open campaign, defeating Zeynep Sonmez 6-3, 6-4. Gauff, who aims for a second U.S. Open title, demonstrated her ability to elevate her game when needed and expressed her readiness to face challenges head-on.
In other matches, Flavio Cobolli and Maria Sakkari staged remarkable comebacks to secure victories. Cobolli rallied from a two-set deficit to triumph over Francisco Comesana, while Sakkari overcame a significant deficit to defeat Robin Montgomery. Both players showcased resilience and mental fortitude to turn the matches in their favor.
The U.S. Open also saw rain delays impacting several matches, with play restricted to courts with retractable roofs. Madison Keys, the No. 22 seed, managed to overcome Alina Korneeva in a hard-fought battle. Keys acknowledged the challenges of facing young and ambitious opponents in Grand Slam tournaments.
As the tournament progresses, players like Elena Rybakina and Belinda Bencic face stiff competition, highlighting the intense and unpredictable nature of the U.S. Open.