Zverev Wins Opener to Reach US Open Second Round
Zverev Advances to US Open Second Round After Tough Test
NEW YORK – World No. 3 Alexander Zverev opened his US Open campaign with a straight-sets victory, though it was anything but straightforward.
Zverev dominated the opening set 6-2, but Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo raised his level in the second, holding serve under pressure and even earning a set point at 6-5. The German held firm, firing a service winner to stay alive before clinching the tiebreak.
The third set remained tight until Zverev secured a crucial break in the 10th game, his third of the match, sealing the win in just over two hours.
“It wasn’t great at times, to be very honest, but I’m through. I won in straight sets—that’s the most important thing. There’s a lot to build, a lot to improve,” Zverev admitted after the match.
The 28-year-old will next face Britain’s Jacob Fearnley, who defeated Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in four sets. Zverev leads their head-to-head 2-0.
The German arrives in New York in strong form, having reached back-to-back semifinals at the ATP Masters 1000 events in Montreal and Cincinnati. Still chasing his first Grand Slam title, Zverev has twice fallen short in finals—Roland Garros 2024 and the Australian Open earlier this year.
“It’s about going the final step,” Zverev said. “I love playing on Arthur Ashe Stadium. It’s one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world. For me, it’s about winning the last point in those finals, and I’m hopeful I can do that this year.”
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