In an astonishing display of resilience at the US Open, Zheng Qinwen overcame a formidable opponent, six-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek, with a 7-5, 6-3 victory to advance to the quarter-finals. Swiatek initially seemed unbeatable, establishing a commanding 5-0 lead in the first set. However, Zheng shifted the dynamics with a remarkable turnaround, securing seven consecutive games to clinch the set. Her momentum did not wane in the second set, culminating in one of the most significant triumphs of her career.
This victory is especially notable considering Zheng’s similar comeback in her previous match against Madison Keys. In that encounter, Keys also held a 5-0 lead in the final set, but Zheng staged a remarkable recovery, winning seven games straight. Entering the tournament, Zheng was grappling with inconsistency, attributed to an elbow injury and subsequent surgery that had earlier dropped her ranking to No. 160. She began her US Open journey in the qualifying rounds but has since demonstrated her prowess on the court.
The 23-year-old athlete, who boasts an Olympic gold from Paris and a runner-up finish at the 2024 Australian Open, has not only won seven matches in New York but is also re-establishing herself as a formidable contender in the tennis world. Her next challenge in the quarter-finals will be against Elena Rybakina, the tournament’s second seed, who secured her spot in the last eight with a decisive 6-1, 6-4 win over two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka.
Rybakina’s performance against Osaka was marked by her powerful and consistent play, racking up 29 winners in a swift 66-minute match. Osaka, meanwhile, faced difficulties with her serve and was hampered by Achilles pain throughout the game. Rybakina’s commanding presence on the court poses a significant challenge for Zheng in the upcoming quarter-final match.
Meanwhile, another noteworthy performance came from fifth seed Mirra Andreeva, who reached the US Open quarter-finals for the first time. She triumphed over Austria’s Anastasia Potapova in a hard-fought match, overcoming a first-set deficit to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-3. Andreeva’s advancement adds to the excitement and unpredictability of this year’s tournament, as players continue to defy expectations and deliver thrilling performances.