World · Malaysia Bureau
Zverev survives five-set thriller, eyes US Open crown
Top seed Alexander Zverev narrowly advanced past Lorenzo Sonego in a gruelling five-set match at the US Open. The German champion believes the demanding encounter has provided ideal preparation for his title push.
LSN Malaysia ·
Alexander Zverev escaped a first-round scare at the US Open after outlasting Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in a marathon five-set battle. The top-seeded German, competing for his maiden Grand Slam title, viewed the hard-fought victory as valuable experience rather than a setback.
Zverev's comments following the match suggest he interpreted the close contest as a positive development for his campaign. Facing a formidable opponent early in the tournament has provided an unexpected advantage, he indicated, offering the conditioning and mental resilience needed for a deep run.
The 25-year-old has emerged as one of tennis's leading contenders in recent seasons, with multiple Masters 1000 titles to his name. However, success at the major championships has remained elusive, making this year's US Open a significant opportunity to add a Grand Slam to his resume.
With the opening hurdle cleared, Zverev now faces the tournament's later rounds with enhanced confidence and preparation. His progression in New York will be closely watched as he seeks to capitalize on his top seeding and convert his consistent excellence into major tournament success.