Alexander Zverev Survives Another Five-Set Thriller to Reach US Open Third Round
Top seed Alexander Zverev survived another stern test at the 2026 US Open, beating Frenchman Quentin Halys in a dramatic five-set thriller to reach the third round. The German star prevailed in a grueling four hour, 33 minute contest at Arthur Ashe Stadium, winning 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 6-3. (Reuters Reporting)
It was Zverev’s second straight five-set victory at this year’s tournament. The world No. 1 was extended again by an opponent outside the top 50 after surviving a tense opening-round encounter against Lorenzo Sonego.
Halys, ranked 52nd in the world, showed great composure throughout the match and constantly broke up Zverev’s rhythm from the baseline. The Frenchman took the fourth-set tiebreak to win the second set and take the top seed to a fifth-set decider in another tense finish.
There was a lack of consistency from Zverev, who later admitted he was not at his best, but he was able to use his experience and physical strength at important moments. He put his game to bed in the final set, taking his opportunities to close out the match.
The victory keeps Zverev’s hopes of a first US Open title alive. The German was a finalist at Flushing Meadows in 2020 but blew a two-set lead to Dominic Thiem.
Zverev Shows Resilience, Mental Strength In Late-Night Drama
The match was another test for Zverev’s ability to handle pressure in New York. The match ended at about 2.15 a.m. local time, adding to a punishing tournament schedule for the top seed.
There were a handful of points in the match where Zverev could have gone the other way. Halys made a brief burst in the third set to race into a 4-1 lead before Zverev fought back to take the set to a tiebreak. The German was in control of the breaker but Halys wouldn’t buckle and took the match to a fifth set.
Zverev has had a physically taxing tournament already, having spent almost 10 hours on court in his first two matches. The long fights have tested his stamina but also proved his ability to prevail in close fights against dangerous opposition.
A big part of Zverev’s success has been his ability to recover in matches. Against Halys his form was patchy at times but he kept his cool in the key moments and avoided another shock early exit from a Grand Slam.
The win also extends a good run for Zverev who came into the US Open confident after winning his first French Open title earlier in the season. With one of the highest seeds left in the draw, expectations are high for a deep run in New York.
Halys Pushes Top Seed But Falls Short in Major Upset Bid
Quentin Halys entered the match as the underdog, but delivered one of the best performances of his career against a Grand Slam contender. The Frenchman’s power from the baseline was on par with Zverev’s and he backed it up with a strong serve under pressure throughout the contest.
Halys’ ability to extend rallies and attack Zverev’s second serve troubled the German throughout the match. His performance was symptomatic of the growing competitiveness of the men's side, where lesser-ranked players are still making life difficult for the top seeds at major tournaments.
The biggest chance for the Frenchman came in the third set, where he got a lead over Zverev and let the German back into the match. Halys did manage to take the match to a fifth set, but he could not maintain the same pressure in the closing stages of the match.
The victory was yet another close call for Zverev in a tournament that has already delivered a number of shocks. Many of the top seeds have already been eliminated and it is easier for those who remain.
Halys exits the tournament with a boost in recognition after taking the No. 1 seed to the brink. He showed he could mix it with the best on one of the biggest stages in the game.
But the match also highlighted the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam tennis, where even the highest-ranked players must endure intense examinations from determined opponents.
Zverev Next Up for Tabilo in Title Bid
Zverev will next face Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo in the third round after beating Halys. The German is among the favorites in the tournament, particularly after several major contenders fell early.
But Zverev’s tough early matches have raised questions about his physical condition and consistency. His clutch ability is a plus but extended five-set matches could become a factor as the tournament wears on into the later rounds.
The US Open represents a huge opportunity for Zverev, who has long been touted as one of the most talented players of his generation, but has struggled to convert good performances into multiple Grand Slam titles. Expectations that he can finally land another major title have been boosted by his French Open triumph earlier this year.
With world-class rivals out of the picture and the draw opening up, Zverev has a massive chance to go deep once again in New York. But his next challenge will need better consistency and better energy management after two tough matches.
The German’s path through the tournament has already been marked by resilience rather than dominance. If he can get himself physically back and raise his game in the next few rounds, he will be a serious contender for the US Open trophy.
Zverev’s immediate priority is straightforward: get better, get ready for Tabilo and keep on surviving the unpredictable challenges of Grand Slam tennis.
