Zheng Qinwen showcased an impressive feat at the US Open by staging a dramatic comeback to defeat Iga Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, with a scoreline of 7-5, 6-3, advancing to the quarter-finals. Swiatek initially seemed poised for victory, surging to a commanding 5-0 lead in the opening set. However, Zheng turned the tide by winning seven consecutive games, clinching the set and carrying her momentum into the second set to secure one of her most significant career victories.
This victory is particularly notable as it mirrors Zheng’s previous round performance against Madison Keys, where she also overcame a 5-0 deficit to win seven straight games. Entering the tournament, Zheng faced challenges, struggling with consistency after an elbow injury and subsequent surgery saw her ranking plummet to No. 160 earlier in the year. Starting the US Open through the arduous path of qualifying, the 23-year-old, who previously won Olympic gold in Paris and reached the 2024 Australian Open final, has now triumphed in seven matches in New York, re-establishing herself as a formidable contender.
Looking ahead, Zheng is set to face second-seed Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals. Rybakina secured her spot in the last eight with a comprehensive 6-1, 6-4 win over two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka. During their match, Rybakina delivered a powerful and consistent performance, tallying 29 winners in just 66 minutes, while Osaka was hampered by serving struggles and Achilles pain.
In other developments, fifth seed Mirra Andreeva has reached the US Open quarter-finals for the first time, overcoming Austria’s Anastasia Potapova with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory. This advancement marks a significant milestone in Andreeva’s career, showcasing her potential to make a deeper run in the tournament.