Zverev Wins Second Consecutive Five-Set Match at US Open, First Top Seed to Do So

Germany's Alexander Zverev advanced to the third round of the 2026 US Open after a 6-4, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6, 6-3 win over France's Quentin Halys. The match, which concluded at 2:15 a.m. local time, marked the second consecutive five-set match Zverev has played in the tournament, following a five-set victory over Italy's Lorenzo Sonego that ended after 1:55 a.m.

According to ESPN, Zverev is the first top seed in the Open Era to begin a Grand Slam with back-to-back five-setters. He recorded 29 aces and won 82 of 103 first-serve points, but converted only five of 20 break-point opportunities. Halys committed 63 unforced errors compared with Zverev's 49.

Zverev will face No. 25 seed Alejandro Tabilo in the third round. The tournament has seen several upsets, including the early exits of No. 3 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, No. 6 seed Alex de Minaur, No. 13 Lorenzo Musetti, and No. 4 seed Novak Djokovic. Other notable players remaining include No. 7 Daniil Medvedev, No. 8 Ben Shelton, No. 9 Taylor Fritz and No. 11 Frances Tiafoe.

"Zverev's performance shows the depth of the field and the challenges ahead for the top seed," said an ESPN analyst.

Zverev's early-round matches have drawn attention to the openness of the draw and the potential for lower-seeded players to advance further than expected.