Zheng Qinwen has powered into the US Open quarter-finals, pulling off a stunning 7-5, 6-3 victory over six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek. In a remarkable display, Zheng overcame a 0-5 deficit in the opening set, reeling off seven consecutive games to take the set.
This incredible turnaround mirrors her previous match on Friday, where the Olympic gold medallist also recovered from 0-5 down in the final set against former Australian Open champion Madison Keys, winning seven games in a row to secure that victory. Achieving such comebacks in consecutive sets against two different Grand Slam champions is an unprecedented feat at the highest level of tennis.
Zheng, who reached a career-high ranking of No 4 last year and won an Olympic gold medal, has faced a challenging period following elbow surgery, which saw her ranking drop to No 160 in June. Her performance at the US Open, including seven wins in New York after starting in the qualifying draw, signals her re-establishment as a genuine contender.
Meanwhile, French Open champion Mirra Andreeva also secured her spot in the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows, defeating Anastasia Potapova 5-7, 6-4, 6-3.