Alexander Zverev Survives Five-Set Thriller as US Open Upsets Shake Men’s Draw

Posted : 04 September 2026

Top seed Alexander Zverev overcame another marathon battle to reach the third round of the 2026 US Open, defeating France’s Quentin Halys in five sets on a dramatic night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Zverev prevailed 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 6-3 after four hours and 33 minutes. The victory came just days after he also needed five sets to get past Lorenzo Sonego, leaving the German with more than nine hours on court across his opening two matches.

The German admitted he was not at his best but was pleased to find a way through. His ability to remain competitive despite inconsistent tennis has kept his challenge for a first US Open crown alive. Zverev will now meet 25th seed Alejandro Tabilo in the third round.

Several major men's seeds were not as fortunate. Third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime was beaten 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 by Karen Khachanov after struggling physically during the match. The Canadian reported feeling dizzy and seeing spots, while Khachanov capitalised on his opponent's 47 unforced errors and eight double faults.

Sixth seed Alex de Minaur also departed after Botic van de Zandschulp produced a convincing 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 victory. The Dutchman has developed a reputation for causing major upsets in New York, having also eliminated Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 tournament.

Thirteenth seed Lorenzo Musetti was another casualty, with Australian Dane Sweeny stunning him 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2. The result sent Sweeny into the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time.

On the women's side, several leading contenders continued their campaigns. Fourth seed and 2023 champion Coco Gauff defeated Paula Badosa 6-4, 7-6(5), while six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek moved past Nadia Podoroska 6-3, 6-2.

Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka also advanced after recovering from a second-set setback against Katerina Siniakova. Osaka won 6-2, 5-7, 6-2, while Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina beat Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2, 6-4 and Mirra Andreeva defeated Eva Lys 6-0, 6-2.

Madison Keys also survived a tense encounter, saving five match points before overcoming Anna Bondar in a deciding-set tiebreak. Meanwhile, American youngster Learner Tien defeated veteran Gael Monfils in straight sets, bringing the 40-year-old Frenchman's Grand Slam career to an emotional conclusion.

Alexander Zverev Survives Five-Set Thriller as US Open Upsets Shake Men’s Draw

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics