Philipp Kohlschreiber needed five sets to get the better of German compatriot Alexander Zverev in the US Open first round tonight.
The 29th seed dropped the opening set before fighting back to eventually see off the 18-year-old 6-7 6-2 6-0 2-6 6-4 in three hours and 22 minutes.
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Kohlschreiber needs a strong end to the year to retain his status inside the world's top 32, but he looked in danger of slipping up against the teenager after losing a tie-break.
He recovered to breeze through the next two sets as he allowed Zverev just four points on his second serve, but his opponent produced a superb reply to take the contest into a decider.
It would be Kohlschreiber who would prevail, though, as one break of serve proved enough to wrap up the win.
Darren Plant
