Zverev rejects favourite tag despite Sinner, Alcaraz absences

Zverev, seeded first at Flushing Meadows, sought to temper predictions of his chances despite a significantly altered field at the year's final Grand Slam tournament. The withdrawal of world number two Sinner due to hip and leg concerns, combined with persistent injury questions surrounding reigning champion Alcaraz, has shifted the competitive landscape considerably.

However, the German insisted that such developments do not substantially improve his own prospects of claiming the title. Zverev acknowledged that while the field presents fewer obvious threats than in previous seasons, winning a major requires more than favourable circumstances.

"These things happen in tennis," Zverev remarked, noting that other contenders remain formidable challengers. The top seed's cautious approach reflects the unpredictability inherent in Grand Slam tournaments, where depth of competition and form on the day often prove decisive.

Zverev will begin his campaign seeking to convert his seeding into his maiden major championship. His reluctance to embrace favourite status underscores the reality that even in a depleted draw, the US Open remains a demanding test of skill, fitness and mental resilience.