It\u2019s been one incredible year for Alexander Zverev<\/a>. The German achieved his Grand Slam breakthrough at least after claiming the Roland Garros crown before pushing Jannik Sinner<\/a> to his limits in the Wimbledon final. That has resulted in Zverev being the number one seed at the US Open with the German having pressure on his back. History says that Zverev isn\u2019t good at dealing with pressure and that has once again showed in Canada and Cincinnati. There is no better place to turn history on its head then at the US Open as he searches for a first title in New York.<\/p>\n The first test for Zverev is Lorenzo Sonego <\/a>who is a former Grand Slam quarter-finalist. Since that quarter-final at the Australian Open last year, Sonego\u2019s form has derailed as he now finds himself at 89 in the world. Only 12 wins for Sonego this year but the Italian has produced three of those wins in this US hard court season. That will be a big confidence boost for Sonego who will be hoping he can play with freedom as he looks to secure a big win in New York.<\/p>\n Zverev will use the backhand to put Sonego on the backfoot and will look to take the second serve return early. Meanwhile, Sonego will aim to be explosive on the serve and will look to set up the dangerous forehand. This will be a good opening test for Zverev but the German is expected to come through fairly comfortably.<\/p>\n Prediction: Zverev in straight sets. \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Iva Jovic [14] v Magdalena Frech H2H & Match FundamentalsIva Jovic [14] v Magdalena Frech \u00a0H2H: First Meeting \u00a0US Open 2026\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0New York, USA\u00a0\u00a0Hard (O)Prize Money: $140,000Third on Grandstand (20:00 BST)Sky\/Now TV<\/a> <- Subscription Required<\/p>\n Iva Jovic <\/a>is one of the most talented players on the WTA tour and is showing no signs of slowing down. The American\u2019s baseline quality mixed with tactical intelligence has made her a big threat over the last 12 months. It\u2019s been an incredible season for Jovic who has adapted to every surface and produced some big performances. That will hope to continue for Jovic with the American looking to raise her level on home soil at the US Open with an exciting third round match with Alexandra Eala <\/a>potentially ahead.<\/p>\n Next up for Jovic is Magdalena Frech <\/a>who will be hoping to join Iga Swiatek <\/a>and Maja Chwalinska <\/a>as the top Polish players on the WTA tour. That is quite the list of names to join though but Frech has shown that she has a varied yet powerful game style. The Pole has climbed up to 41 in the world and will be boosted by a recent win over Jelena Ostapenko <\/a>in Cincinnati. Now, Frech hopes to take the next step in her career and claim a big upset at the US Open.<\/p>\n Jovic will use the backhand to keep Frech on the run as she looks to hit easy winners into the open court. Meanwhile, Frech will aim to be aggressive on serve and put Jovic\u2019s return game under pressure. This is an awkward opening round for Jovic but the American should have enough quality in order to prevail here.<\/p>\n Prediction: Jovic in straight sets.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Rafael Jodar [12] v Thanasi Kokkinakis H2H & Match FundamentalsRafael Jodar [12] v Thanasi Kokkinakis \u00a0H2H: First Meeting \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0US Open 2026\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0New York, USA\u00a0\u00a0Hard (O)Prize Money: $140,000Third on Stadium 17 (19:00 BST) \u00a0Sky\/Now TV<\/a> <- Subscription Required<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Connected-Clubs-Graphic.png\"\/)
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