US Open top seed Zverev downplays favourite status

New York: Alexander Zverev, the top-seeded player at the US Open, insists he feels no pressure as the favorite. The German tennis star, who clinched his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open and reached the Wimbledon final, downplays his status as the top seed. Zverev says he perceives himself as just one of the 128 players favored to win the tournament.

He points out the absence of defending champion Jannik Sinner, who withdrew due to a knee injury, and the return of Carlos Alcaraz from injury. Alcaraz, the Australian Open winner, has not played since January due to a right wrist injury. Zverev expects Alcaraz to be somewhat rusty in the early matches but believes he will be a strong contender.

Other players who could challenge the top two seeds include Novak Djokovic, who is chasing his 25th Grand Slam singles title, and rising talents like Arthur Fils and Jessica Pegula. Women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka, who won back-to-back hard-court titles in Indian Wells and Miami, remains confident she can become the third woman to win three consecutive US Open titles. However, her recent injury struggles have caused some uncertainty about her chances.