New York, Sept. 2 -- Alexander Zverev survived a big scare in his US Open campaign opener, overcoming Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in an engaging clash that lasted almost five hours on Wednesday.

Competing as a top seed for the first time at a Grand Slam event, the Germany star was just two points away from an embarassing first round exit, serving at 4-5, 30/30 in the fourth set, but seized control at the right time to keep dreams of a second Grand Slam title alive. Earlier this year, he had won the French Open, beating Flavio Cabolli in the final.

Zverev secured a 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-4 win. Following his win, he said, as quoted by ATP's official website, "I am just happy I won. That is it. Incredible battle. A lot of ups and downs. Near...