Zheng stages comeback to upset Swiatek at US Open

Zheng Qinwen produced a dramatic turnaround in the third round of the US Open, erasing a 5‑0 first‑set hole to defeat world number one Iga Swiatek. The Chinese qualifier, who fell to 121st in the rankings after elbow surgery last year, saved three set points before clinching the second set and sealing the match.

Match recap

After dropping the opening set 0‑6, Zheng found her rhythm, winning seven consecutive games to level the contest. She broke Swiatek twice in the second set, eventually prevailing 7‑5, 6‑4. The victory followed a similar comeback against Madison Keys in the previous round, where Zheng also won seven straight games.

"I didn't expect that today, but somehow it's just happening again," Zheng said.

She admitted she lost track of the score at one point, mistakenly heading for a towel at 3‑5 before realising the true tally was 4‑5. "I was focusing on every single point," she added, describing the intensity of the rally.

Implications for the draw

Zheng's win marks the first time a qualifier has reached the US Open women's fourth round since Emma Raducanu captured the title in 2021. It also underscores the challenges facing Swiatek, who has struggled to replicate her Wimbledon triumph last year, exiting early at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon this season.

Looking ahead

Next up, Zheng will meet world number two Elena Rybakina, who dispatched two‑time champion Naomi Osaka 6‑1, 6‑4. Rybakina leads their head‑to‑head 4‑1 and stands to climb to world number one with a semi‑final appearance. For Zheng, a win would keep her hopes of breaking back into the top ten alive, a goal she says is "psychologically very difficult" after a painful injury lay‑off.

Swiatek left the court in tears, acknowledging a lack of timing and space against Zheng. Her early exit adds pressure as she seeks to finish the season strongly and defend her ranking.