US Open: Felix Auger-Aliassime beaten by Karen Khachanov in second round
Top seed Alexander Zverev narrowly advanced to the third round of the US Open after a grueling five-set victory against Quentin Halys. Despite his win, Zverev expressed frustration with his performance and the physical toll of back-to-back long matches.
Why it matters
As a top contender in a tournament missing key stars like Jannik Sinner, Zverev's physical condition and form are critical to the outcome of the men's draw.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Alexander Zverev reached his first Grand Slam final at the 2020 US Open
Top seed Alexander Zverev endured another gruelling five-set US Open match as he overcame Quentin Halys at 02:15 local time to reach the third round.
French Open champion Zverev is one of the favourites for the title, with world number one Jannik Sinner missing with injury and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz working his way back to fitness.
However, the German was taken to five sets in his first match and his level fluctuated wildly against world number 52 Halys on a humid evening in New York.
An exhausted Zverev raised his arms aloft after completing a 6-4 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 win in four hours and 33 minutes.
"I hope at some point I'll start playing better," Zverev said afterwards.
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