Alexander Zverev has an ongoing problem he needs to solve as he narrowly avoids upset in US Open first round
Alexander Zverev has survived… for now.
The top seed in New York rallied from two-sets-to-one down on Wednesday morning, eventually defeating world number 89 Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-5, 6-4.
“It was an incredible battle,” Zverev stated during his on-court remarks.
Who do you think is more likely to win another Grand Slam out of Novak Djokovic & Alexander Zverev? 🤔
Zverev coming through a marathon match during the early rounds of a Grand Slam has become from a rare occurrence on the ATP Tour.
The German has made a habit of putting himself in these situations, and he must find a way to mitigate this issue moving forward.
Alexander Zverev’s serious problem at Grand Slam events
If Alexander Zverev wishes to win more Grand Slam titles in the future, he cannot afford to keep contesting five-set matches during the early rounds of major events.
The alarming frequency with which Zverev is partaking in five-set battles at majors is captured in one particular statistic published by OptaAce.
Since 1973, no other ATP top-10 player has contested more five-set matches during the opening week of Grand Slams than Alexander Zverev.
Opening week five-set matches among top 10 players since 1973
- Alexander Zverev – 17
- Pete Sampras – 15
- Boris Becker – 13
- Ivan Lendl – 13
- Lleyton Hewitt – 11
Zverev is putting himself on the back foot at Grand Slams far too often: he is spending extended time on court during the early stages, inhibiting his energy levels during the latter rounds.
Many of Zverev’s rivals do not have this same issue, giving them a head start at major events.
Zverev must find a way to quell this troubling issue. Otherwise, he may never win a Grand Slam title again.
Who is now the best active ATP player without a Grand Slam title after Alexander Zverev’s French Open victory?
Alexander Zverev’s next opponent in New York
Zverev is set to play Frenchman Quentin Halys in the US Open second round.
Halys, the world number 52, defeated Facundo Diaz Acosta in his first-round match.
Zverev has won both of his two previous matches against Halys: at the 2026 Miami Open and 2026 Roland Garros.
The winner of the match between Zverev and Halys will play Alexei Popyrin or 25th seed Alejandro Tabilo in the third round.
If Zverev were to reach the fourth round in New York, he would likely play 13th seed Lorenzo Musetti.
