New York: Zverev wins second straight five-setter at US Open

September 4, 2026 3 Min Read

By Rahul Sharma — 4 September 2026 — 3 min read

Zverev advances after five-set battle

Alexander Zverev, the top seed, secured his place in the third round of the US Open after a demanding five-set match against Quentin Halys. The encounter concluded at 02:15 local time, marking another late finish for Zverev in the tournament. This victory follows a similar five-set challenge in his opening match, making him the first top seed in the Open era to play two five-set matches in the first two rounds of a major.

The French Open champion overcame Halys with a score of 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (3-7), 6-3. The match lasted four hours and 33 minutes, during which Zverev’s performance was described by himself as fluctuating. Despite the challenging nature of the match, Zverev expressed satisfaction with the win, stating that securing the victory was the most important outcome.

Zverev, who was the 2020 runner-up at Flushing Meadows, is competing as the top seed at a major for the first time. His side of the draw has seen several high-ranked players exit, potentially opening up his path further in the tournament. He is the only top-20 player remaining in his quarter of the draw.

Alexander Zverev celebrates after winning his second round match against Quentin Halys Credit: m.rediff.com

Tournament landscape shifts

The men’s singles draw has seen significant changes, with several seeded players exiting the competition. Felix Auger-Aliassime, the third seed and a two-time semi-finalist at the tournament, was eliminated after a surprise 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 loss to Karen Khachanov. Auger-Aliassime reported feeling unwell during the match, experiencing dizziness and blurred vision.

Other notable exits include Lorenzo Musetti, the 13th seed, who lost to Australian wildcard Dane Sweeny. Musetti reportedly struggled physically during his 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 defeat. Additionally, sixth seed Alex de Minaur was defeated by Botic van de Zandschulp, further altering the potential matchups in Zverev’s quarter.

With world number one Jannik Sinner absent due to injury and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz working towards full fitness, the field for the title has seen shifts. Zverev could potentially face 25th seed Alejandro Tabilo in his next match, a player he has not lost to previously. Taylor Fritz, the fifth seed and a runner-up in New York two years ago, is a potential semi-final opponent for Zverev.

Alexander Zverev cuts a frustrated figure Credit: m.rediff.com

Looking ahead for Zverev

Following his late-night victory, Zverev faces another period of recovery, having not gone to sleep until 5 am after his previous win against Lorenzo Sonego. Despite the physical demands of his matches, he remains in the competition and hopes to improve his performance as the tournament progresses. He acknowledged the pressure of being the top seed but emphasized the importance of remaining in the draw.

The tournament also saw the end of Gael Monfils’ Grand Slam career, as he lost 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 to 14th seed Learner Tien. Monfils, a crowd favourite, is set to retire at the end of the season and plans to transition into wealth management.

Six players remaining in the men’s draw have reached Grand Slam singles finals, with only three having lifted a major trophy. Zverev won this year’s French Open, while Alcaraz has seven major titles, and Daniil Medvedev won the US Open in 2021.

Zverev’s next opponent will be 25th seed Alejandro Tabilo.