New York – In a dramatic third‑round showdown at the U.S. Open, Chinese star Zheng Qinwen delivered a stunning comeback to eliminate former Grand Slam champion Madison Keys. After dropping the first set 1‑6, Zheng fought back to win the next two sets 7‑6 (3), 7‑5, securing a five‑set victory that left the crowd on its feet.
Keys, who had previously battled back from five match points in the prior round, appeared rattled as she tried to explain the loss. “I feel like I obviously got off to a really good lead, and then I just got really scared, like I couldn’t swing,” she said. “Tennis just feels really hard right now.”
Key Moments of the Match
Zheng, an Olympic gold‑medalist and former world No. 4, showed why her hard work after elbow surgery is paying off. Down 0‑1 in the first set, she rallied to take the second set in a tiebreak, then held her nerve to close out the match at 7‑5. “I’m just telling myself keep holding every single point, never give up, stay there and somehow little by little it just happened,” Zheng explained after the win.
Keys, the 2025 Australian Open champion, fought valiantly but could not convert a match point she held at 5‑1 in the final set. Frustrated, she was seen banging her racket against her head and pulling off her visor in disgust.
Other Upsets on the Same Night
The night featured additional surprises. No. 9 American Taylor Fritz surrendered a two‑set lead to No. 24 Argentine Francisco Cerundolo, falling 3‑6, 4‑6, 6‑3, 6‑4, 6‑4. “I don’t know how I let that happen today,” Fritz admitted.
Former U.S. Open runner‑up Amanda Anisimova also bowed out, losing to No. 24 Anastasia Potapova 6‑2, 7‑5 after converting just three of 16 break‑point chances. Potapova, born in Russia but now representing Austria, will face No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva next.
Implications for the Tournament
Zheng’s victory sets up a potential marquee clash with 2022 champion Iga Swiatek in the next round, promising a high‑profile encounter between two of the sport’s rising stars. Meanwhile, the early exits of Fritz and Anisimova open the draw for other contenders.
Other top women’s players also featured on the night. Naomi Osaka faced Elise Mertens, while Filipino prodigy Alex Eala took on American Iva Jovic. Coco Gauff, the 2023 champion, continued her run against Cristina Bucsa, with the winner slated to meet the Eala‑Jovic victor in the round of 16.
Background on Zheng Qinwen
Zheng captured the gold medal for China at the 2024 Olympics and reached the Australian Open final that same year. After a period of injury‑related decline that dropped her ranking to No. 121, she fought through qualifying to earn a spot in the main draw, demonstrating the resilience that defines her game.
“The hard work pays off,” Zheng said, emphasizing the dedication required to return to elite competition.
As the U.S. Open progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matches and potential breakthroughs from emerging talent across both the men’s and women’s draws.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
