Zverev outlasts Halys in five-set thriller at US Open

Alexander Zverev, the top seed at this year's US Open, had to endure a 4-hour-33-minute battle to overcome world No. 52 Quentin Halys in the second round. The match finished at 2:15 a.m. with a scoreline of 6-7(3), 7-6(3), 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. This is Zverev's second consecutive five-setter, following a tough first-round win over Lorenzo Sonego. Zverev admitted his performance was 'quite shit' but still found a way to win. 'I hope at some point I'll start playing better,' he said after the match. However, the German showed remarkable resilience, coming back from 4-1 down in the third set and capitalizing on his superior fitness built through gym and track work. Zverev's next opponent is Alejandro Tabilo, the 25th seed, a Chilean known for his giant-killing ability. The match is expected to be a tough test for Zverev, especially given his inconsistent form and the physical toll of two marathon matches. Can Zverev go deep, or will he exit early? The answer will come in the coming days.