In a thrilling display of resilience, China's Qinwen Zheng staged a remarkable comeback from a 0-5 deficit in the final set to defeat Madison Keys, securing her place in the fourth round of the US Open women's singles. This victory marks a significant milestone as Zheng becomes the first qualifier to reach this stage of the tournament since Emma Raducanu, who famously went on to win the title in 2021.
Zheng's journey to the fourth round was anything but easy. Facing the 22nd-ranked Keys on Saturday, she saved a match point before ultimately clinching the match with a score of 1-6, 7-6 (7-3), 7-5. The match showcased Zheng's tenacity and determination, particularly in the final set where she appeared to be on the brink of defeat. After dropping the first set and trailing significantly in the third, Zheng rallied impressively, demonstrating her mental fortitude.
"I just told myself to keep holding every single point, never give up, stay there. And somehow little by little it just happened," Zheng reflected on her comeback. Currently ranked 121st in the world, Zheng's performance is a testament to her hard work and dedication, especially after a lengthy recovery from an elbow injury that had previously caused her ranking to plummet.
As Zheng celebrated her victory, the day also saw the exit of 2025 finalist Amanda Anisimova, who was defeated by Anastasia Potapova in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5. This marks a significant achievement for Potapova, who reached the US Open fourth round for the first time in her career. Her victory continues a resurgence that has seen her climb back into the top 25 of the world rankings after falling to 97th earlier this year.
The atmosphere at the US Open was electric as other top players prepared for their matches, including former champions Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, and Naomi Osaka, along with reigning Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina, who is currently ranked second. The tournament has been filled with surprises and upsets, making it an exciting event for tennis fans worldwide.
Zheng's next challenge will be against either six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek or Czech player Marie Bouzkova, as she aims for a spot in the quarter-finals. With her remarkable comeback against Keys, Zheng has not only made history but also established herself as a formidable competitor in this year's US Open.
As the tournament progresses, the anticipation builds for the upcoming matches, with players like Alexander Zverev, who is set to face Alejandro Tabilo, also in the spotlight. Zverev, having spent over nine hours on court in previous matches, is looking to improve his performance as he seeks to add a second Grand Slam title to his collection.
Leave a Comment