US Open: Alexander Zverev entgeht nur knapp dem Erstrunden-Aus in New York

Alexander Zverev narrowly avoided elimination in his opening match at the US Open, securing a hard-fought five-set victory over Italian outsider Lorenzo Sonego. The German top seed defeated Sonego 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7:9), 7-5, 6-4 after nearly four and a half hours of play, with the final point being converted just before 1:55 AM local time. The match took place in the near-empty Arthur Ashe Stadium, where Zverev addressed the remaining fans with a tired but relieved message: “Everyone is tired, everyone wants to go to sleep. A good night and see you tomorrow.” The encounter was marked by intense rallies and moments of tension, including a scare early in the match when Zverev stumbled during an attempt to stop a ball, falling onto his back. Unharmed, he was quickly helped up by Sonego, who rushed over the net to check on him. Despite this incident and a dip in form midway through the match, Zverev managed to recover and push through to the second round. This result ensured that Zverev, ranked number one in the world, avoided the rare distinction of being eliminated in the first round of a Grand Slam tournament, a feat that had occurred only six times since 1968 among top-seeded players. Zverev expressed relief and optimism following the win, stating that overcoming such a challenging match could prove beneficial for his performance throughout the tournament. He acknowledged the physical and mental toll of the match, particularly given its late finish, but remained focused on the upcoming rounds. His next opponent will be French player Quentin Halys, marking the beginning of what promises to be a demanding campaign in New York. Meanwhile, another prominent figure in men’s tennis, Carlos Alcaraz, made his return to competitive action at the US Open after a lengthy absence due to a hand injury. The defending champion, who missed both the French Open and Wimbledon, has been undergoing extensive rehabilitation and expressed lingering doubts about his readiness for the tournament. Speaking ahead of his debut match against Russian Roman Safiullin, Alcaraz admitted to feeling nervous, acknowledging the challenge of regaining his competitive edge after months away from the court. Alcaraz participated in the mixed doubles competition as a warm-up, partnering with Serena Williams. While he did not achieve notable success in that event, he appeared physically sound and mentally prepared for the main draw. His return to the singles competition marks a crucial test of his recovery, especially with the absence of rival Jannik Sinner, who withdrew from the tournament earlier in the year. Despite his concerns, Alcaraz conveyed confidence in his ability to compete at a high level. He emphasized that his current challenges were primarily psychological rather than physical, noting that his team assured him everything would improve. His positive attitude was evident as he interacted with fans and showcased his new long hair style during public training sessions at Flushing Meadows. Zverev, who has been vocal about Alcaraz's potential, warned that while the Spanish star might still be rusty in his initial matches, he would soon become a serious title contender. Both players' performances at the US Open will be closely watched, as their rivalry continues to shape the landscape of men’s tennis. With Zverev advancing past the first hurdle and Alcaraz making his comeback, the tournament is set to deliver compelling narratives and high-stakes encounters.