Alexander Zverev Survives Nearly Five-Hour US Open Thriller Against Lorenzo Sonego
Top seed Alexander Zverev survived a huge scare against Lorenzo Sonego, fighting back to win 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-4 in a gruelling first-round clash at the 2026 US Open. Zverev appeared in control after taking the opening set, but Sonego responded brilliantly, forcing the German into a deciding set after edging a tense third-set tiebreak. The Italian then came within two points of victory in the fourth set before Zverev produced a late surge, breaking Sonego and forcing a decider. Zverev finally secured the decisive break in the fifth and held his nerve to complete the comeback after 4 hours and 53 minutes. The victory extends his perfect record against Sonego to 7-0 and sends him into the second round against Quentin Halys.
Alexander Zverev, right, of Germany, shakes hands with Lorenzo Sonego, of Italy, after winning in five sets in the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II
Lorenzo Sonego, of Italy, gives a thumbs up as he walks off the court after losing to Alexander Zverev, of Germany, in five sets in the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships early Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II
Alexander Zverev, of Germany, acknowledges fans after defeating Lorenzo Sonego, of Italy, in five sets in the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships early Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II
Lorenzo Sonego, of Italy, smiles after winning a game in the fifth set against Alexander Zverev, of Germany, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II
Lorenzo Sonego, of Italy, is aced on a serve by Alexander Zverev, of Germany, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships early Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II
In this image taken with a slow shutter speed, Lorenzo Sonego, of Italy, rushes the net during the fourth set against Alexander Zverev, of Germany, in the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships early Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II
Lorenzo Sonego, of Italy, prepares to serve to Alexander Zverev, of Germany, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II
Fans watch Lorenzo Sonego, right, of Italy, play Alexander Zverev, of Germany, in the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II
Fans watch Lorenzo Sonego, left, of Italy, play Alexander Zverev, of Germany, in the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II
Published At: