At the US Open in Flushing Meadows, New York, persistent rain disrupted the schedule, but the top players managed to showcase their skills.

French Open champion and Wimbledon finalist Alexander Zverev weathered a storm from Lorenzo Sonego to win 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-4 in a grueling five-set battle that lasted 4 hours and 53 minutes.

"I'm just happy I won, that's it," Zverev said after the match. "I'm happy that I won this battle and it was exactly what I needed... Good things happen after you fight through these matches."

2017 runner-up Madison Keys defeated Alina Korneeva 7-5, 6-4 in the opening match on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Keys, who was undone by nerves in the first round last year, managed to keep her composure this time.

Ninth seed Taylor Fritz had an easy time against 18-year-old compatriot Darwin Blanch, winning 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Fritz is among the top contenders to end a 23-year US wait for a men's Grand Slam singles champion.

In the women's draw, Coco Gauff began her quest for a third Grand Slam title with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Zeynep Sonmez. Another rising star, Alexandra Eala, cruised past qualifier Mary Stoiana 6-1, 6-2.

Due to the rain, several matches were postponed or canceled. Organizers will have to complete a total of 14 first-round matches on Wednesday, including those that were suspended.

French veteran Gael Monfils celebrated his 40th birthday with a 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 win over Adolfo Daniel Vallejo to keep his farewell Grand Slam campaign alive.

Source: www.aljazeera.com