The short version
- Zheng Qinwen defeated eighth-seeded Iga Swiatek in straight sets after recovering from a five-game deficit in the opening set.
- The victory marks Zheng’s seventh consecutive win at the tournament, including three qualifying rounds, and propels her back toward the top 50 in world rankings.
- Swiatek exits the tournament without winning a major title for the first time since 2021, ending a season that included strong performances in Toronto and Cincinnati.
Zheng Qinwen has advanced to the quarter-finals of the US Open, matching her best-ever performance at the New York tournament with a resilient victory over former champion Iga Swiatek. The match on Arthur Ashe Stadium showcased Zheng’s ability to recover from significant deficits, as she trailed 5-0 in the opening set before winning 13 of the next 16 games. She secured the first set 7-5 and then closed out the second set 6-3, breaking Swiatek twice in the latter stages to complete the win.
This result represents a dramatic turnaround for Zheng, who had dropped outside the world’s top 100 earlier this year while recovering from elbow surgery performed in July 2025. The 23-year-old Chinese player, a reigning Olympic champion and former world number four, has now won seven consecutive matches in New York. This streak includes three rounds of qualifying, a path that underscores the depth of her current form. Her victory is expected to boost her ranking significantly, placing her near the top 50.
Zheng’s comeback against Swiatek mirrors her previous match against Madison Keys, where she also recovered from a 5-0 deficit in the deciding set. In both instances, Zheng demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude and tactical adjustment. She noted that playing more matches has helped her find rhythm on court, dismissing concerns about fatigue. Upon arriving at the tournament, she reported feeling energized rather than tired, aiming to reach higher levels of play while enjoying the atmosphere of the stadium.
For Iga Swiatek, the loss marks a disappointing conclusion to her Grand Slam season. The 25-year-old Polish player entered the US Open in strong form, having won the WTA 1000 event in Toronto and reaching the semi-finals in Cincinnati. She had progressed through the first three rounds without dropping a set. However, she received treatment for a left thigh injury while leading 2-1 in the second set against Zheng. This exit means Swiatek will end the year without winning any of the sport’s four major titles, a situation not seen since 2021.
Swiatek’s best result this season was a quarter-final appearance at the Australian Open. She also exited in the fourth round of the French Open and fell in the third round while defending her Wimbledon title. Her previous encounters with Zheng have been largely dominated by Swiatek, with Zheng securing only one win in eight prior meetings. That lone victory occurred during the semi-finals of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where Zheng went on to win the singles gold medal.
Zheng’s journey through the qualifying rounds places her in rare company at the US Open. The most recent qualifier to reach this stage of the women’s draw was Emma Raducanu, who went on to win the title in 2021. In 2026, Zheng is not the only female qualifier to perform exceptionally well at a Grand Slam. Maja Chwalinska from Poland, who began the French Open ranked 114th in the world, reached the final at Roland Garros before losing to Mirra Andreeva.
In other fourth-round action, Mirra Andreeva secured her spot in the quarter-finals by defeating Anastasia Potapova. The 19-year-old Russian-born player, who represents Austria, faced a tough challenge until Potapova injured her knee in the final game of their match on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Potapova appeared to twist or hyperextend her knee while attempting a baseline shot and required immediate attention. Although she returned to the court after treatment, she lost the remaining points in her service game.
Andreeva expressed empathy for her opponent, describing Potapova as a warrior and a fierce competitor. She acknowledged the difficulty of seeing a friend fall during such an intense battle. Andreeva will face either Coco Gauff or Iva Jovic in the quarter-finals, depending on the outcome of their all-American fourth-round match scheduled for Monday’s night session. Meanwhile, Zheng awaits the result of the clash between Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina to determine her next opponent.
The upcoming quarter-final matchups promise high-stakes tennis as the tournament narrows down its field. Zheng’s resurgence highlights the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam competitions, where physical recovery and mental resilience can outweigh seeding advantages. Her ability to overcome early deficits suggests a player who has regained confidence after a prolonged period of injury-related setbacks. The coming days will reveal whether this momentum can carry her further into the latter stages of the US Open.
As the tournament progresses, attention shifts to how these emerging narratives will unfold. Swiatek’s absence from the final four leaves a void in the top-tier competition, potentially opening opportunities for other contenders. Zheng’s path forward depends on her ability to maintain focus and physical condition against high-caliber opponents. The US Open continues to deliver compelling stories of perseverance and competitive intensity, reflecting the dynamic landscape of modern professional tennis.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Zheng stuns Swiatek after winning another set from 5-0 down
