Top Seed Alexander Zverev Survives Five-Hour US Open First-Round Thriller Against Lorenzo Sonego
Quick Brief
Top-seeded Alexander Zverev narrowly avoided an early exit at the US Open, outlasting Lorenzo Sonego in a grueling five-hour first-round match. The German player fought back to secure a 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-5, 6-4 victory ending in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Zverev avoided becoming the first men's top seed to lose in a grand slam opening round since 2003.
What Happened?
German tennis player Alexander Zverev overcame Lorenzo Sonego in a marathon first-round match at the US Open, winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-5, 6-4. Zverev struggled to capitalize on break opportunities throughout the night, nearly becoming the first men's No. 1 seed to bow out in the opening round of a major tournament since Ivo Karlovic defeated Lleyton Hewitt at Wimbledon in 2003. The contest concluded in the early hours of Wednesday morning, marking what Zverev described as the longest first-round match he has played.
Why It Matters
The match nearly resulted in a rare historic upset that has not occurred in men's grand slam tennis since 2003, highlighting the vulnerability of top seeds early in major tournaments.
Key Facts
- Alexander Zverev defeated Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-5, 6-4.
- The match lasted nearly five hours and concluded in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
- Zverev is the men's No. 1 seed at the US Open.
- A loss would have made him the first men's top seed to fall in a grand slam first round since 2003.
Compiled from 1 outlet
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