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Top 5 Photos 8/31: Zverev celebrates win with brother

By Jordaan Sanford

What would typically be the final major of the year is only the second Grand Slam to take place in 2020. COVID-19 halted the tours for six months, but the top players are back swinging in New York. The same title is up for grabs but the conditions are very unfamiliar.

These are the Top 5 photos from opening day at the Billie Jean King USTA National Tennis Center.

1

Alexander Zverev

Zverev kept his perfect record against Kevin Anderson alive by overcoming a shaky opening performance. The world No. 5 seed posted a 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 score to advance to the second round. Before exiting Arthur Ashe stadium, the German celebrated with his brother Mischa via the court-side zoom.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 31: Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates after with his brother Mischa Zverev on a Jumbotron after winning his Men's Singles first round match against Kevin Anderson of South Africa on Day One of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

2

US Open Grounds

It's undoubtedly an eerie sight in Flushing Meadows with no fans walking the grounds and concession stands closed. The US Open's staple Honey Deuce cocktail won't be served to thousands of thirsty patrons, but it's refreshing to see the world's top names hitting aces in New York.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 31: Players, their guests and a dog relax in a tent in the south plaza on Day One of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. The USTA has created an activity area on the grounds for players and their guests. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

3

Denis Shapovalov

"Playing without the fans is definitely interesting. I have to find ways to get myself pumped up," Shapovalov said in his off-court interview.

American Sebastian Korda tested the Canadian until the very end. With 13 aces and 35 winners, Shapovalov posted a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 win to move into the second round.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 31: Denis Shapovalov of Canda serves during his Men's Singles first round match against Sebastian Korda of the United States on Day One of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

4

Angelique Kerber

The former US Open champion managed to pull out a 6-4, 6-4, victory against Ajla Tomljanovic. The world No. 23 will next face Anna-Lena Friedsam, who she has defeated in both of their previous meetings.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 31: Angelique Kerber of Germany returns a shot during her Women's Singles first round match against Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia on Day One of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

5

Coco Gauff

Despite saving a few match points, the 16-year-old would fall short in her New York opener against Anastasija Sevastova. Very little separated the two, but the Latvian's experience shined through as she squeezed out a 3-6, 7-5, 4-6 win.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 31: Cori Gauff of the United States returns the ball during her Women's Singles first round match against Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia on Day One of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
© Getty Images