NEW YORK — In a dramatic third‑round match at the U.S. Open on Saturday, China’s rising star Zheng Qinwen staged a remarkable comeback against 22nd‑seeded American Madison Keys. After dropping the opening set 1‑6 and trailing 5‑0 in the deciding set, Zheng rallied to win 7‑5, securing her place in the tournament’s fourth round.
From injury setbacks to Grand Slam resurgence
Zheng, who is still recovering from a chronic right elbow injury that required surgery last year, entered the tournament through qualifying – a stark contrast to her quarter‑final runs just two years earlier. The elbow issue had stalled her progress, but the Chinese champion proved the surgery and rehabilitation were paying off.
“Finally one time a bit of luck is on my side,” Zheng said after the match. “I’m so happy and I know in the last match she also did that comeback. It was a very dramatic match for me but we both showed up with very strong tennis.”
Key moments of the match
Keys started strong, breaking Zheng’s serve early and cruising to a 6‑1 first set. The American seemed poised to advance, especially after Zheng double‑faulted in the fourth game, giving Keys a comfortable lead.
However, the second set turned into a battle of wills. Zheng held her nerve in the tiebreak, edging it 7‑3 to level the match. The momentum shift was evident as Zheng began to dictate play from the baseline, delivering a series of powerful forehands that forced errors from Keys.
In the final set, Keys surged ahead, breaking Zheng to lead 3‑1. Yet Zheng responded with a clutch break‑point save in the seventh game and soon after secured a break of her own with a decisive forehand winner. Keys’ nerves began to fray, and a cascade of unforced errors allowed Zheng to close out the set 7‑5 on a match point that sailed just out of bounds.
What’s next for Zheng?
With the win, Zheng will face either six‑time major champion Iga Swiatek or Czech contender Marie Bouzkova, who are scheduled to play later on Saturday. A victory would set up a high‑profile clash with Swiatek, a match that could further cement Zheng’s return to the sport’s elite.
For Keys, the loss ends a tournament that began with a Houdini‑like escape act in the second round, where she saved five match points against Anna Bondar. Despite the disappointment, Keys remains optimistic about her recovery from the elbow injury that has also hampered her recent form.
Broader implications
Zheng’s performance underscores the depth of talent emerging from China’s tennis program and highlights the resilience required to overcome injury setbacks on the world stage. Her comeback will likely inspire other players facing similar challenges, reinforcing the message that perseverance and faith in one’s abilities can lead to triumph, even when the odds appear stacked against them.
The U.S. Open continues to deliver compelling storylines as the tournament moves into its later rounds, offering fans a blend of seasoned champions and hungry newcomers vying for Grand Slam glory.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
