Alexander Zverev overcame a huge first-round scare at the US Open to beat Lorenzo Sonego in a marathon clash.

The German had to hold his nerve in a four-hour-and-53-minute match to earn a 6-4 3-6 6-7 (7-9) 7-5 6-4 win over Sonego.

In Zverev's first grand slam match as the top seed, he started strongly, earning a vital break in the seventh game of the first set to take the lead.

However, Sonego upped the pressure – helped by some inspired net rushing – as he earned his first break late in the second set to level.

The Italian then took early control of the third set, though Zverev cancelled out his advantage before Sonego steadied the ship again in the tie-break, converting his second set point.

Zverev was two points from defeat while serving at 4-5 30-30, having failed to convert four break points in the previous game, but he seized control soon after and held onto it through the deciding set.

"I'm just happy I won. That's it, said Zverev. "Incredible battle. A lot of ups and downs.

"Nearly five hours for a first round. I think this is the longest first-round match I've ever played in my life.

"Credit to him, he played amazing tennis. He would have beaten a lot of players for sure, but I'm happy to be through."

Comeback complete

Just two points away from defeat, @AlexZverev digs deep to get the victory!@usopen | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/InxALXhyl5

— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 2, 2026

Gael Monfils also had to come from behind to make it through to the second round against Adolfo Daniel Vallejo.

On his 40th birthday and beginning his final-ever appearance at the US Open, Monfils rallied from a set down to win 2-6 6-1 6-2 6-0 in just under two and a half hours.

Meanwhile, Wimbledon semi-finalist Arthur Fery fell at the first hurdle at Flushing Meadows as he suffered a straight-sets defeat to Lorenzo Musetti.

The Italian made light work of the first two sets before holding his nerve in the third to earn a 6-3 6-3 7-5 victory.

Going the distance

Zverev (17) has played the most five-setters in the opening week at grand slams of any ATP top-10 player, since the ATP rankings were first published in 1973.

Pete Sampras is second, having played 15.

It was the second-longest match of Zverev's grand slam career, despite the fact that he entered the contest with a perfect 6-0 record against Sonego.

He will be hoping for a smoother match against Quentin Halys in the second round, but Zverev remains in fine form despite the scare – he holds a season-leading 47 tour-level match wins in 2026, including 19 at majors.

And Monfils will also be interested in making this a major to remember as he prepares to bow out at the end of the season.

He turned on the style against Daniel Vallejo, firing 37 winners, and it is Learner Tien up next for him.