US Open Thursday Schedule: Zverev Nearly Loses to Sonego, Badosa Plays Back-to-Back After Heavy Rain

The US Open Thursday schedule has brought many surprises that have shaken fans and analysts. First, Alexander Zverev - the No. 1 seed - had to struggle through 5 sets to beat Matteo Sonego, only avoiding becoming the first No. 1 seed to lose in the first round of a grand slam since 2026. Data from recent matches shows Zverev showing signs of fatigue after a long break, with unforced error rates rising significantly compared to his season average. This number not only affects personal form but also raises questions about physical recovery for upcoming matches. Meanwhile, Clara Badosa fell into an unfavorable situation when she had to play two consecutive matches after heavy rain disrupted the schedule. Playing two matches in one grand slam day, especially after the first match was interrupted by weather, put Badosa under much higher physical pressure than fresher opponents like Coco Gauff. Sports business experts often compare this to recovery costs, where each additional day of rest can save 15-20% on injury treatment expenses for top players.