NEW YORK, SEP 2 (IANS): The 2026 US Open continued to deliver gripping contests and memorable milestones as top seeds, rising stars, and seasoned veterans battled through high-pressure encounters at Flushing Meadows. From Alexander Zverev’s five-set escape against Lorenzo Sonego to Flavio Cobolli’s career-first comeback, the men’s draw showcased resilience and drama. In women’s singles, Alexandra Eala, Coco Gauff, and Mirra Andreeva advanced with commanding performances, while veteran Gael Monfils celebrated his 40th birthday with a historic win in his farewell season.
Zverev survives Sonego scare in 5-set comeback
Top-seeded Alexander Zverev narrowly avoided a first-round upset at the 2026 US Open, overcoming Italian Lorenzo Sonego in a dramatic five-set battle, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-4, at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Zverev, who clinched his maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros earlier this year, was two points from defeat at 4-5 in the fourth set but rallied to seize control late in the match.
The contest lasted four hours and 53 minutes, with Sonego’s aggressive net-rushing tactics pushing Zverev to the brink despite the German’s 6-0 ATP head-to-head record against him. For Sonego, playing his 10th US Open, the inspired performance was not enough to secure a breakthrough beyond the second round.
Zverev, who leads the ATP Tour with 47 match wins this season, including 19 at Slam level, will next face Frenchman Quentin Halys in the second round.
Cobolli’s career-first five-set comeback
Italian Flavio Cobolli staged a remarkable comeback from two sets down to defeat Argentine Francisco Comesana 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in four hours and 12 minutes. It was the first time Cobolli had rallied from such a deficit at the US Open, keeping his strong season alive.
Cobolli’s breakthrough year has included a Roland Garros final appearance, a Wimbledon quarter-final, and a title win in Acapulco. He also reached the Munich final and Cincinnati semi-finals, arriving in New York in fine form. Despite never progressing beyond the third round at Flushing Meadows, his resilience in this match underlined his growing stature.
He will next face qualifier Tristan Schoolkate in the second round.
Eala marches into round 2 for 2nd straight year
Filipina rising star Alexandra Eala advanced to the second round of the US Open for the second consecutive year, defeating American qualifier Mary Stoiana 6-1, 6-2 at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Eala, seeded No. 17, showcased her hard-court prowess, winning nine of her last 11 matches since Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round of a Slam for the first time. Her Washington, D.C. title earlier this summer highlighted her momentum heading into New York.
Despite a shaky opening service game, Eala quickly found her rhythm, saving all six break points she faced and converting four of eight break opportunities. She closed both sets with dominant streaks, winning the final five games in each. Eala will next face Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova in Round 2.
Monfils celebrates 40th birthday with win
French veteran Gael Monfils marked his 40th birthday with a vintage performance, defeating Paraguayan Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 in his 18th and final US Open appearance.
Monfils, who announced his retirement at the end of the 2026 season, recorded his 34th career US Open victory, the most by a Frenchman in New York. He became only the third man aged 40 or older to win a match at the US Open in the past 50 years, joining legends Ken Rosewall (1977) and Jimmy Connors (1992).
Cheered on by his wife, WTA star Elina Svitolina, Monfils turned back the clock in front of a packed Louis Armstrong Stadium. The couple had recently reached the mixed doubles semi-finals together, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Monfils will next face American youngster Learner Tien in Round 2.
Gauff, Andreeva prevail in women’s singles
World No. 4 Coco Gauff began her US Open campaign with a confident 6-3, 6-4 victory over Turkish player Zeynep Sonmez. Gauff, already a two-time Grand Slam champion, entered the tournament as one of the favorites following strong runs at Wimbledon, Toronto, and Cincinnati.
Her dominant serving and clutch play ensured she saved all three break points faced in the second set, before breaking Sonmez decisively to secure the win. With this victory, Gauff remains in contention to become the world No. 1 in singles, a feat that would make her the first woman since Aryna Sabalenka to hold the top spot in both singles and doubles.
Next, Gauff faces either Paula Badosa or Daria Kasatkina in a marquee second-round clash.
Meanwhile, No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva cruised past Indonesian Janice Tjen 6-2, 6-2 to advance to the second round for the fourth consecutive year. At just 19, Andreeva boasts a 14-1 record in Grand Slam first-round matches but has yet to progress beyond the third round in New York. She will next face German Eva Lys.