Top-Seeded Zverev Rallies Just in Time to Avoid a First-Round Exit at the US Open

Alexander Zverev survived a five-set struggle with Lorenzo Sonego to avoid an unwanted piece of US Open history.

The top-seeded German edged the Italian 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-5, 6-4 in a match that ended Wednesday morning after 4 hours, 52 minutes. A loss would have made Zverev the first men’s No. 1 seed to fall in the first round of a Grand Slam since Ivo Karlovic defeated Lleyton Hewitt at Wimbledon in 2003. At the US Open, the last such defeat came when Alexander Volkov beat Stefan Edberg in 1990.

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Nearly five hours for a first round, I think this is the longest first-round match I’ve ever played in my life.

Zverev struggled to convert his chances, finishing only 5 for 22 on break points. Sonego’s speed allowed him to chase down balls that might have been winners against other opponents, while his serving helped keep the match close.

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So, credit to him. He played amazing tennis today, would have beaten a lot of players for sure, but I’m happy to be through.

Sonego broke back after Zverev took a 3-2 lead in the fourth set, then came within two points of victory while leading 5-4. Zverev held serve, broke for a 6-5 lead and then secured the set. After Sonego had his hand or wrist checked before the deciding set, Zverev broke for a 3-2 advantage and held on.

Zverev, who won the French Open and lost the Wimbledon final to Jannik Sinner, said he was pleased to win such a demanding contest after struggling in his previous two tournaments. He will play Quentin Halys in the second round.

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Actually, I’m happy that I won this kind of battle because this is exactly the match that I needed.