{
  "id": 4291896,
  "title": "US Open top seed Zverev downplays favourite status",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/us-open-top-seed-zverev-downplays-favourite-status",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-29T22:24:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/racquet-sports/2026/08/1521477/us-open-top-seed-zverev-downplays-favourite-status"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Leading up to the US Open, top-ranked Alexander Zverev downplays his favorite status, as there are several other players who could challenge him. Zverev, who won his first Grand Slam title at the French Open this year and finished as runner-up at Wimbledon, believes he is just one of 128 players that are considered favorites in the draw. He also acknowledges that Jannik Sinner's withdrawal due to a knee injury, as well as the uncertainty surrounding defending champion Carlos Alcaraz's fitness after recovering from a wrist injury, do little to enhance his own chances. Meanwhile, rising talents like Arthur Fils, Jessica Pegula, and Coco Gauff, among others, will be watchful of the marquee names in the tournament, including two-time champion Naomi Osaka and six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek.",
  "summary": "NEW YORK: The US Open looks more open than ever, and top-seeded Alexander Zverev says the absence of Jannik Sinner and questions surrounding defending champion Carlos Alcaraz as he returns from injury do little to enhance his own status as favourite.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "US Open top seed Zverev downplays favourite status",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/us-open-top-seed-zverev-downplays-favourite-status-4296895",
        "published": "2026-08-29T22:47:27.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}