Zheng Qinwen delivered another stunning comeback performance at the US Open, defeating Iga Swiatek, the holder of six Grand Slam titles, with a scoreline of 7-5, 6-3 to secure her place in the quarter-finals. Swiatek initially took charge, surging ahead to a 5-0 lead in the first set. However, Zheng shifted the dynamics dramatically, winning seven consecutive games to clinch the set. She sustained her momentum into the second set, marking one of the most significant victories in her career.
This victory is particularly noteworthy as Zheng had showcased a similar comeback against Madison Keys in the previous round. Keys had also led 5-0 in the deciding set before Zheng reversed the situation by winning seven games in a row. Entering the tournament, Zheng had been battling for consistency due to an elbow injury and surgery, which had seen her ranking drop to No. 160 earlier this year. She also began the US Open journey from the qualifying rounds.
Despite these setbacks, the 23-year-old, who previously clinched Olympic gold in Paris and reached the 2024 Australian Open final, has now strung together seven consecutive wins in New York, reaffirming her status as a formidable contender. Zheng is set to face second seed Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals. Rybakina secured her spot in the last eight with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 win over two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka.
Rybakina’s performance was marked by powerful and consistent play, evidenced by her 29 winners achieved in just 66 minutes. In contrast, Osaka faced challenges with her serve and was also hindered by Achilles pain. Meanwhile, fifth seed Mirra Andreeva reached the US Open quarter-finals for the first time after overcoming Austria’s Anastasia Potapova in a hard-fought match, finishing with scores of 5-7, 6-4, 6-3.