Zheng storms back to beat Keys and reach US Open last‑16

Zheng overcame a 0‑5 start to defeat Jenna Keys 1-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 and secure a place in the US Open round of 16 on Tuesday in New York. The Chinese athlete, a gold medallist at the Paris Olympics, had to battle through qualifying after her ranking fell following elbow surgery last year.

A dramatic comeback

The match turned into a lesson in resilience. After losing the first set badly, Zheng saved a match point at 5-1 in the third set and then held serve to swing momentum. Her composure in the crucial moments convinced the crowd that she was back at her best.

I was even crying after I won the third match reaching the main draw, and you know, main draw is just the beginning.

She admitted the experience was emotional, saying she had "forgotten how to compete" during her time off. The victory was a cathartic release, with Zheng noting she felt a surge of energy that carried her through the final games.

What lies ahead

Advancing to the last 16 puts Zheng in contention for a deeper run that could boost her world ranking and restore confidence ahead of the next season. Analysts will watch her next opponent closely, as a continued winning streak could signal a new era for Chinese women’s tennis on the global stage.