Top seed Alexander Zverev plays down favorite status at U.S. Open
Zverev captured his long-awaited first Grand Slam title at the French Open this year and finished runner-up at Wimbledon.
Alexander Zverev hits a return against Tallon Griekspoor during the second round of the Canadian Open in Montreal on Aug. 5. | Imagn Images / VIA REUTERS
AFP-JIJI
Aug 30, 2026
New York – The U.S. Open looks more open than ever, and top-seeded Alexander Zverev says the absence of Jannik Sinner and the questions surrounding defending champion Carlos Alcaraz as he returns from injury do little to enhance his own status as favorite.
“I feel like I’m one of the 128 players that are favorites in the draw,” the German said as he prepared for the start of the last Grand Slam of the season, which begins on Sunday in Flushing Meadows.
Zverev captured a long-awaited first Grand Slam title at the French Open this year and finished runner-up to world No. 1 Sinner at Wimbledon.
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