Alexander Zverev survives Lorenzo Sonego scare in five-set thriller

Alexander Zverev recovered from two sets to one down to beat Lorenzo Sonego in five sets at the US Open. The comeback spared the top seed an opening-round exit and set up a second-round meeting with Quentin Halys.Zverev fought back after Sonego moved two sets to one ahead. (Photo: Reuters)Alexander Zverev survived a huge scare at the US Open, fighting back from two sets to one down to beat Lorenzo Sonego in a five-set thriller at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The top seed eventually prevailed 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 6-4, 6-3, but was made to work for every inch of a victory that lasted more than four hours.Zverev had entered the contest with a perfect record against Sonego, having won all six of their previous meetings. That advantage appeared to mean little once the Italian settled into the contest, as he repeatedly tested the German with his aggressive baseline play and powerful serving.The top seed took the opening set 6-4, but Sonego immediately hit back. The Italian claimed the second 6-3 before edging a tense third-set tiebreak to move within one set of a stunning upset.For Zverev, the match had suddenly become a fight for survival rather than the routine opening-round assignment many expected. The German responded with greater aggression in the fourth set, finding enough consistency from his serve and groundstrokes to level the match and force a decider. ZVEREV FINDS A WAY OUTThe fifth set remained fiercely competitive, with Sonego refusing to let the German escape easily. Zverev, however, kept his composure when the pressure was at its highest and eventually created the opening he needed.Once ahead, the top seed did not allow Sonego back into the contest. He closed out the decider 6-3 to complete the comeback and avoid becoming the first men's top seed since 2002 to lose in the opening round of the US Open. The victory was another reminder of Zverev's Grand Slam pedigree. The 29-year-old arrived in New York as a major champion after winning his maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros earlier this year, while also reaching the Wimbledon final. He is now chasing a second major title and his first US Open crown.SONEGO PUSHES TOP SEED TO THE LIMITSonego leaves New York with plenty of credit after pushing the tournament's top seed into a marathon battle. The Italian had never beaten Zverev before Tuesday, but came close to producing one of the tournament's biggest opening-round shocks.Zverev will now face Quentin Halys in the second round after the Frenchman defeated Facundo Diaz Acosta. The top seed will hope his escape against Sonego serves as an early warning rather than a sign of things to come as his bid for a second Grand Slam title continues in New York.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Sep 2, 2026 11:41 IST