World · Singapore Bureau
Top seed Zverev edges past Sonego in epic U.S. Open marathon
Alexander Zverev narrowly avoided an upset at the U.S. Open on Wednesday morning, battling Italian challenger Lorenzo Sonego through nearly five hours of intense play in a grueling first-round contest.
LSN Singapore ·
NEW YORK — Top seed Alexander Zverev advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open after a hard-fought victory over Italy's Lorenzo Sonego, prevailing 6-4 3-6 6-7(7) 7-5 6-4 in a marathon encounter that tested the German's resilience and endurance.
The match proved far more competitive than seeding suggested, with Sonego mounting a spirited challenge that pushed Zverev to the brink across nearly five hours of play. The contest extended deep into Wednesday morning, highlighting the Italian's determination to upset the tournament's top seed.
Despite the mounting pressure, Zverev regained his composure in the decisive sets, breaking through Sonego's resistance to secure passage to the next round. The victory came at considerable physical cost, with both players visibly fatigued as the match drew to a close.
Zverev's performance underscored the unpredictability of Grand Slam tennis, where seeding offers no guarantee of smooth progress through early rounds. The gruelling contest sets the tone for the German's campaign as he pursues his first U.S. Open title.