Germany’s Alexander Zverev survived a major scare in his US Open opener, battling past Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-4 in an absorbing contest that lasted nearly five hours on Wednesday.
Playing as a top seed at a Grand Slam for the first time, Zverev came within two points of a shock first-round exit when he served at 4-5, 30/30 in the fourth set. However, the German regained control at a crucial stage to keep his hopes of a second Grand Slam title alive.
Zverev, who won the French Open earlier this year after defeating Flavio Cobolli in the final, entered the contest with a 6-0 head-to-head record against Sonego.
“I am just happy I won. That is it. Incredible battle. A lot of ups and downs. Nearly five hours for a first round. I think this is the longest first-round match I have ever played in my life,” Zverev said, as quoted by the ATP’s official website.
“Credit to him, he played amazing tennis today. He would have beaten a lot of players for sure, but I am happy to be through,” he added.
Zverev will next face France’s Quentin Halys, against whom he holds a 2-0 head-to-head record, with both victories coming this year at the Miami Open and French Open.
The German now has a tour-leading 47 wins this season, including 19 at Grand Slam events.
Meanwhile, Gael Monfils began his 18th and final US Open appearance in style, defeating Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 on his 40th birthday.
Playing in his final season, Monfils produced 37 winners and entertained the crowd with his trademark shot-making. His wife and former tennis player Elina Svitolina was also in the stands.
“That was definitely very special, to play on the day of my 40th birthday,” Monfils said during his on-court interview as fans sang ‘Happy Birthday’.
“You guys always make it electric. The atmosphere is unbelievable. I feel great here. I always try to put on a great show, so let’s keep it up for the second round,” he added.
