Alexander Zverev, now holding the top seed in a Grand Slam for the first time and boosted by a recent major title win, narrowly avoided an early exit from the U.S. Open. In a gripping match lasting nearly five hours, the French Open champion staged a comeback to defeat Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-5, 6-4, concluding in the early hours of Wednesday.
Following Novak Djokovic’s surprising elimination in a previous match, Zverev faced the risk of becoming another top player ousted from the tournament. His victory elevated him to the top seed position, narrowly averting a potential upset that could have marked the first time a top-seeded player fell in the first round of a major since 2003.
Expressing relief, Zverev stated, “I’m pleased with this hard-fought win. This match was exactly the challenge I needed.” Meanwhile, Coco Gauff advanced smoothly in her pursuit of a second U.S. Open title, triumphing over Zeynep Sonmez 6-3, 6-4. Gauff demonstrated confidence and resilience, setting the stage for a second-round clash against either Paula Badosa or Daria Kasatkina.
In a spirited night at the U.S. Open, Gael Monfils celebrated his 40th birthday with a victory, while Alex Eala delighted her Filipino supporters with a win over Mary Stoiana. Gauff’s return to the tournament this year showcased her evolution into a formidable contender, building on her recent successes in Cincinnati and Wimbledon.
Notable comebacks marked the day’s matches, with Flavio Cobolli and Maria Sakkari staging impressive turnarounds to secure victories. Cobolli, the French Open runner-up, fought back from a two-set deficit to avoid an early exit, while Sakkari rallied from a significant deficit to edge out her opponent. The day also saw smooth wins for French Open champion Mirra Andreeva and U.S. Open runner-up Taylor Fritz.
Rain delays impacted some matches, leading to restricted play on outer courts and the postponement of several first-round matchups. Madison Keys, Elena Rybakina, and Belinda Bencic were among the players who navigated challenging conditions to secure wins in their respective matches, underscoring the competitive intensity of the U.S. Open.