Alexander Zverev's 2026 US Open began with the kind of match that can either break a title campaign or give it an early heartbeat. The top seed survived Lorenzo Sonego in five sets after nearly five hours, avoiding a first-round exit that would have instantly become one of the tournament's biggest shocks.
Zverev took the opening set 6-4 but lost control as the Italian claimed the next two. Sonego's aggressive serving and willingness to attack left the favourite facing elimination in the fourth set. Zverev recovered the break, forced a decider and finally closed the fifth set 6-4.
Why the result matters
This was more than a difficult first round. Zverev entered New York as the leading seed and a central title contender after winning the French Open in June. With Jannik Sinner absent and Carlos Alcaraz returning from injury, the German has a rare opportunity to control the men's draw.
An opening-round defeat by a top seed at a major is exceptionally uncommon. Zverev was therefore playing against both Sonego and the weight of history as the match moved deeper into the night.
The positive interpretation is that he solved problems in real time. His first serve was not always enough, his baseline rhythm disappeared for long stretches, and Sonego repeatedly forced him into uncomfortable positions. Yet Zverev stayed alive at the most important moments.
What comes next
Zverev is scheduled to face France's Quentin Halys in the second round. Recovery will be the immediate concern. A match approaching five hours can affect movement and serving speed even when there is no obvious injury, particularly so early in a two-week major.
The top seed will also want a cleaner performance. Grand Slam champions often survive one chaotic match, but repeated five-set battles can create a physical bill that becomes due in the second week.
Sonego leaves the tournament after producing one of the strongest performances of the opening round. He made the favourite uncomfortable, won two consecutive sets and came close to the biggest upset of the men's draw.
For Zverev, the headline is survival. The title remains possible, but his first night in New York showed that the path will not be simple.
Source: Reuters match report.
