Alexander Zverev Survives Five-Set Epic Against Quentin Halys, Naomi Osaka Advances Despite Errors
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The US Open 2026 has lived up to its reputation for high drama, delivering another action-packed day filled with marathon battles, dramatic comebacks, and shocking upsets at Flushing Meadows. German star Alexander Zverev once again had to dig deep into his physical reserves, surviving a grueling five-set thriller against France's Quentin Halys to book his place in the third round. Meanwhile, former champions Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff overcame tough tests and unforced errors, while third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime became a major casualty of the turbulent opening week after falling ill mid-match.
Zverev Battles Past Halys in Five-Set Marathon
For the second consecutive match, Alexander Zverev found himself locked in a fierce, draining contest on the New York hard courts. Having already survived a lengthy opening-round battle against Lorenzo Sonego, the French Open champion spent another grueling stretch on court before overcoming Quentin Halys 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 6-3. Bringing his total court time past nine hours in just two rounds, Zverev expressed immense pride in his physical stamina. Acknowledging his fluctuating form, the top seed noted that winning even when playing below your best remains an essential skill for capturing major titles.
Auger-Aliassime Suffers Dizziness as Upsets Shake the Draw
The tournament witnessed another major casualty when last year's semifinalist, third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, was forced out after falling severely ill during his match against Karen Khachanov. Despite winning the opening set, the Canadian player suffered sudden dizziness and blackouts, ultimately losing 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. In other men's singles action, Italy's fifth seed Flavio Cobolli rallied past Australia's Tristan Schoolkett 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5, while seeded contenders like Alex de Minaur bowed out in straight sets to the Netherlands' Botic van de Zandschulp.
Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff Fight Through to Third Round
In the women's draw, two-time champion Naomi Osaka experienced a rollercoaster match against the Czech Republic's Katerina Siniakova before sealing a 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 victory. Showing a new mental approach to combat self-criticism, Osaka utilized a strategic bathroom break before the third set to reset her mindset, securing a clash against Belgium's Elise Mertens. On a blisteringly hot evening at Arthur Ashe Stadium, former champion Coco Gauff also displayed immense grit to edge past Spain's Paula Badosa 6-4, 7-6(5). American favorite Madison Keys delivered a stellar comeback win over Hungary's Anna Bondor 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(5), while star performers Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina cruised smoothly through their respective matches in straight sets.
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