In a shock to many pundits, top‑seed Alexander Zverev barely escaped a first‑round exit at the US Open, edging out a gritty qualifier in a nail‑biting five‑set thriller. After dropping the first two sets, the German star rallied with a ferocious forehand and a renewed serve, turning the tide in the third set. The match culminated in a dramatic final set tiebreak, where Zverev’s composure under pressure proved decisive. The victory, though hard‑won, serves as a reminder that even the elite can be tested early, and the tournament promises more drama ahead.