World number two Alexander Zverev opened his US Open campaign with a grueling five-set victory over Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego, advancing to the second round at Flushing Meadows. Zverev triumphed 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7-9), 7-5, 6-4 in a match that tested his physical and mental resilience on the hard courts.
Zverev Targets Second Grand Slam Title in New York
Having claimed his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open earlier in the year, Zverev arrives in New York with aspirations of securing a second major trophy. According to an interview shared with Star Sports, the German player acknowledged the psychological weight that accompanied his breakthrough victory in Paris.
“Certainly, I had a lot of pressure on my shoulders,” Zverev said in the interview. “You never know if you’ll ever get the chance to win a Grand Slam title again. So I was very happy to win my first trophy, but once you do it, you want more. You want to keep playing good tennis and become a contender for the next Grand Slam.”
Reflecting on the years of close calls that preceded his Roland Garros triumph, Zverev noted that past near-misses prepared him for the endurance required in long matches like his opener against Sonego. “Maybe that’s why I was mentally fully prepared to win the fifth set this time,” he stated. “Now we’re in New York, and I want to achieve it again. I feel like I’m regaining my rhythm and my game.”
Upcoming Second-Round Match Against Quentin Halys
With the opening hurdle cleared, Zverev advances to face Quentin Halys in the second round of the tournament. The German contender has expressed an affinity for the unique atmosphere in New York, highlighting the high energy brought by the fans and the distinct character of the night sessions at the tournament’s primary stadium.
Keep reading