NEW YORK – Alexander Zverev survived another gruelling five-set battle to reach the US Open third round on Thursday, while Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka kept their title campaigns on track amid another day of dramatic upsets at Flushing Meadows.
The top-seeded German, who was also pushed to five sets in his opening match against Lorenzo Sonego, overcame Frenchman Quentin Halys 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 6-3 after another marathon encounter. Zverev has now spent more than nine hours on court in his first two matches, raising questions over whether he can maintain his fitness and form deep into the tournament. “Physically, I feel fine,” Zverev said. “I hope at some point I’ll start playing better tennis. It’s also a skill to win ugly when you’re not playing great.”
The German’s victory came on a day that saw several prominent seeds exit. Canadian third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, a semi-finalist last year, was beaten by Karen Khachanov 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 after experiencing dizziness during the match. Australian sixth seed Alex de Minaur also suffered a straight-sets defeat, losing 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, while 13th seed Lorenzo Musetti fell to Australian Dane Sweeny. Gauff, the 2023 champion, continued her pursuit of a second US Open crown with a 6-4, 7-6(5) victory over Spain’s Paula Badosa. Madison Keys also survived a tense encounter, rallying past Hungary’s Anna Bondar 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(5) after striking 34 forehand winners.
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion and former US Open winner, overcame Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 on Arthur Ashe Stadium. “I just told myself that it’s an honour to play on this court,” Osaka told the crowd. Other winners included Iga Swiatek, who beat Nadia Podoroska 6-3, 6-2, while Mirra Andreeva, Zheng Qinwen and Elena Rybakina also advanced. Filipina Alex Eala impressed with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Oleksandra Oliynykova. The day also marked the end of Gael Monfils’ Grand Slam career, with American youngster Learner Tien defeating the French veteran 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. Monfils, who first appeared at the US Open as a junior in 2003, received a standing ovation from the New York crowd. “It’s been a long ride,” the 39-year-old said, thanking fans for their support.
