In a stunning display of resilience, Qinwen Zheng orchestrated a second dramatic comeback at the US Open, toppling former champion Iga Swiatek to secure a spot in the quarter-finals for the third time.
Just two days after saving a match point while trailing 5-0 in the third set against Madison Keys, Zheng unleashed another extraordinary fightback on the iconic Arthur Ashe court.
Swiatek raced to a 5-0 lead, but Zheng refused to yield, storming back to win seven consecutive games and claim the first set. She continued her relentless pressure, overpowering a shellshocked Swiatek to clinch a breathtaking 7-5, 6-3 victory.
A stunned Swiatek was unable to recover from the blow, crumbling in straight sets. The 2022 champion left the court in tears as her campaign ended in shocking fashion.
The former world No. 4 from China, who had to fight her way through qualifying following a long-term elbow injury, became the first qualifier to reach the quarter-finals since Emma Raducanu’s historic triumph in 2021.
Zheng’s reward is a quarter-final clash against either Naomi Osaka or Elena Rybakina.
Qinwen Zheng has matched her best ever performance at the US Open by reaching the quarter-finals
Zheng revels in being back on big stage
“I started the match slowly but managed to find my rhythm,” Zheng reflected.
“It has been a long time since I played on a centre court, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to compete on Arthur Ashe Stadium.”
“I focused on taking it point by point, and gradually, I began to play better and find my game.”
“I was so focused that I even forgot the score at 4-5 in the first set. Coming back from 0-5 was not a matter of luck, but pure determination.”
Qinwen Zheng, US Open (Associated Press)
‘One of the great comebacks’
Sky Sports Tennis’ Jonathan Overend:
“It’s a straight-set win, but it represents one of the great comebacks in recent memory. How is that even possible? Zheng made it happen.”
“Facing a 5-0 deficit in sets twice in a row, Zheng pulled off a win against Madison Keys to secure the first set today, before completing the victory against Swiatek for only the second time in her career.”
“The Chinese dream continues as the qualifier marches into the final eight.”
Potapova in tears after late injury in Andreeva defeat
Anastasia Potapova was overcome with tears as her campaign in New York came to a heartbreaking end.
The 25-year-old Austrian took the first set against fifth seed Mirra Andreeva, but at 5-3 down in the third set, she suffered a severe knee twist while chasing a forehand.
Despite having her knee heavily strapped, Potapova bravely finished the match but could not win another point, as Andreeva triumphed 5-7, 6-4, 6-3.
“Anastasia is a good friend, and seeing the battle we were having, only for her to fall like that, is not easy,” said the Russian teenager Andreeva.
“It’s not the way you want to finish a match. I just told her she is playing amazing, and I’m sure she’ll come back even stronger. She’s a warrior.”