Zheng Qinwen delivered a stunning performance at the 2026 US Open, overcoming a significant deficit to defeat No. 8 seed Iga Swiatek in straight sets. The match began with Swiatek in control, taking a commanding 5-0 lead in the first set. Zheng managed to turn things around by winning seven consecutive games and eventually took the opening set. Swiatek briefly recovered in the second set but lost her momentum after Zheng broke her serve to take a 4-3 lead. Zheng’s celebration after winning the match was intense, as she fell to the ground in joy and smiled widely for the crowd. She later said she was happy to win the match because it wasn’t easy, especially after a long time since her last victory over a top-10 opponent.
This win marked a significant moment in Zheng’s season, which had been difficult since her rise to the world’s top four in 2025, according to The Guardian. Zheng had fallen as low as No. 160 in June and struggled to regain her form after dealing with elbow pain, according to a report from ESPN. She missed several tournaments including the Australian Open and returned only in February 2026, facing a slow comeback. Zheng’s performance at the US Open showed signs of renewed strength and focus, especially after a tough qualifying run. Prior to her match with Swiatek, she had needed deciding sets in all of her main draw matches. Zheng’s ability to stay composed under pressure was evident when she said she forgot the score at 4-5 in the first set. She described her mental approach as point-by-point, which helped her regain control during difficult moments.
Zheng’s journey to this point involved intensive training at IMG Academy in Florida. She had to fight hard for every win before her match with Swiatek, including a comeback against Madison Keys. Her return to form was clear as she managed to win the final seven games in that match and continued her momentum at the US Open.
Zheng’s next opponent will be Elena Rybakina, who defeated Naomi Osaka in straight sets to advance to the quarterfinals. Rybakina was nearly flawless in her match against Osaka, winning with just 17 unforced errors while facing only one break point, which Osaka did not convert. The men’s draw also saw a notable result as Alexander Blockx reached his first grand slam quarterfinal by defeating Francisco Cerundolo.
Zheng’s performance at the US Open could be seen as a turning point in her season after a difficult stretch. Her ability to recover from early deficits and maintain focus under pressure has been a key part of her comeback story. With her next match against Rybakina, Zheng continues to show that she remains a serious contender in the WTA tour. The tournament has highlighted her resilience and determination after a challenging period in her career. Zheng’s journey is far from over, but her performance at the US Open suggests she is regaining her form and confidence. She has worked hard to put all the pieces of her game back together after a difficult period. Her team’s decision to skip other tournaments like Cincinnati allowed her to focus on the US Open and regain strength. Zheng’s comeback is not just about a single match but reflects a broader effort to return to top-level tennis.