Zheng Qinwen Storms Back from 0-5 to Reach US Open Last 16
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Zheng Qinwen delivered one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent Grand Slam history at the 2026 US Open on Sunday, battling back from the brink of elimination to defeat American wildcard Madison Keys in three sets. After losing the opening set 1-6 and being down 0-5 in the decider, the Chinese star won seven straight games to complete a 7-5 victory and advance to the women's singles last 16. Zheng's remarkable fightback marked her sixth consecutive win from the qualifying rounds, setting up a clash with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek.
Key Points
- Zheng lost the first set 1-6 but won the second via a tiebreak 7-6(7-3), forcing a decisive third set
- In the final set, Zheng faced 0-5 deficit before launching a comeback, winning seven consecutive games for a 7-5 victory
- The Chinese star, once ranked as high as world No.4, entered the tournament ranked 121st after recovering from an elbow injury
- Zheng became the first player in Grand Slam history to win seven games in a row from 0-5 down in a deciding set
- She is the first qualifier since 1995 to reach the US Open last 16 and will face Swiatek in the next round
Why It Matters
Zheng's extraordinary comeback demonstrates the mental fortitude that carried her to Olympic gold last year, suggesting she is rediscovering her best form after months of injury struggles . Her historic victory from 0-5 down in the deciding set sets up a blockbuster showdown with world No.1 Swiatek, offering a chance to test herself against one of the game's current dominant forces .
Zheng's extraordinary comeback demonstrates the mental fortitude that carried her to Olympic gold last year, suggesting she is rediscovering her best form after months of injury struggles . Her historic victory from 0-5 down in the deciding set sets up a blockbuster showdown with world No.1 Swiatek, offering a chance to test herself against one of the game's current dominant forces .