U.S. Open: Zverev soaks up pressure to advance, rain plays spoilsport
Alexander Zverev advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open after a grueling five-set match against Lorenzo Sonego. The tournament schedule faced significant disruptions due to heavy rain at Flushing Meadows.
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Grand Slam tournaments are major global sporting events that drive significant media attention and economic activity in the sports sector.
Alexander Zverev weathered a storm from Lorenzo Sonego to reach the U.S. Open second round on Tuesday (September 1, 2026) and keep alive his bid to reach a third straight Grand Slam final, after relentless rain wreaked havoc with the schedule at Flushing Meadows.
Americans Madison Keys, Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz earlier powered through under the roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium before new crowd favourite Alexandra Eala underlined her growing promise with a near-flawless display.
French Open champion and Wimbledon finalist Zverev, handed top billing in New York in the absence of injured world number one Jannik Sinner, was taken the distance by Sonego but came through with a 6-4 3-6 6-7(7) 7-5 6-4 win.
"I'm just happy I won, that's it," Zverev said after four hours and 53 minutes on court.
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