Alexander Zverev Admits He Needed ‘Tough Battle’ After Surviving First-Round Scare in Five-Set US Open Thriller

Alexander Zverev was on the verge of losing his first-round match at the US Open. On Tuesday (September 1), Zverev locked horns with Lorenzo Sonego and won the first set but ended up losing the next two. Sascha somehow saved himself from the brink of an upset before securing a berth in the second round with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-4 scoreline. The match did not end before four hours and 53 minutes, finishing at 1:55 a.m.

Before arriving in New York, Zverev competed at the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Masters. His campaigns in both events, however, ended in the early rounds. He lost to Tallon Griekspoor in the opening round in Montreal and to Tommy Paul in the fourth round in Cincinnati.

I think he’s an incredible player who’s had some difficulties this year, and that’s just how it is sometimes. Today he played like he usually does, and he’s an amazing tennis player. I think he has an incredible serve and a great forehand. He can return so quickly. I have one of the fastest second serves on tour, and he was attacking it all the time. So he played exceptionally well. I have to give him credit for that, but yeah, I’m just happy that I was able to win in the end.

Alexander Zverev said (H/T: Ubitennis)

The win helped the reigning French Open champion maintain his perfect head-to-head record over the Italian ace as he now has a 6-0 lead.

I think there is definitely room for improvement. Tonight, ironically, I think I missed a few more backhands than usual. It’s something that doesn’t happen very often, but it’s definitely something I can make a little adjustment on, hopefully it will be better in the next matches. Overall, I thought it was a great, tough battle, and it was exactly the kind of match I needed after the last few weeks.

Alexander Zverev added

Zverev is competing in a Major as the top seed for the first time, as World No.1 Jannik Sinner is not playing due to a knee injury. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who is playing in his first tournament since recovering from the wrist injury he suffered during the Barcelona Open, is competing as the third seed.

Patrick McEnroe calls Alexander Zverev a big threat at the US Open

Before the start of the US Open, Patrick McEnroe and Mary Joe Fernandez discussed the top contenders for the US Open. McEnroe thinks if Carlos Alcaraz wins the first few matches, he will eventually become the overwhelming favorite to win and defend his title. And because Alexander Zverev finally clinched his career’s first Major in Paris, McEnroe called him a huge threat.

Not only for the Americans, but Zverev, who has gotten the proverbial monkey off the back by winning Paris. He’ll be a big-time threat. Maybe some of the younger guys. I love [Rafael] Jodar, what he’s done this year. Fonseca. Mensik got to the semis in Paris. 

Patrick McEnroe said on ESPN

It was at Flushing Meadows back in 2020 that Zverev reached his career’s first Grand Slam final. But the match ended in favor of Dominic Thiem.

Zverev has already played two Grand Slam finals this season. After ending his Major title drought at the French Open with a five-set win over Flavio Cobolli, Zverev’s confidence skyrocketed, and he ended up reaching the quarterfinals of Wimbledon not just the first time but also advanced to the final.

But defending champion Sinner denied him the Channel Slam. Apart from the two Majors, Zverev also played the final of the Madrid Open, which he lost to the five-time Grand Slam champion.

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