Zheng Qinwen achieved a remarkable comeback victory at the US Open, battling back from a 5-0 deficit and saving a match point in the third set to defeat American 22nd seed Madison Keys. The match concluded with a 1-6, 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 scoreline, marking a dramatic turnaround for the Chinese qualifier.
Keys, a former Australian Open champion, had appeared to be in control after winning the first set convincingly in just 23 minutes. However, Zheng, who reached the main draw through qualifying, staged a significant rally. After forcing a tie-break in the second set, she carried that momentum into the third, winning seven consecutive games to seal the improbable victory.
Zheng described the match as "very dramatic," reflecting on a challenging year that included elbow surgery. She expressed relief and reflected on moments of doubt about her form. "Finally, a bit of luck is on my side," the 23-year-old stated after the match. "I am just telling myself never give up. Somehow, little by little, it's just happened."
The victory makes Zheng the first qualifier to reach the fourth round of the US Open in the women's singles since Emma Raducanu, who went on to win the title in 2021.