Zheng completes another remarkable comeback to eliminate Swiatek
Zheng Qinwen recovered from a 5-0 deficit in the opening set to defeat Iga Swiatek 7-5 6-3 at the US Open. This is the second consecutive match in which Zheng has won a set from 5-0 down. She will face Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals.
Zheng's New York campaign began in qualifying, and she has now compiled seven consecutive match wins. Her previous outing also featured a comeback from a 5-0 deficit in the deciding set against Madison Keys.
The Chinese player has now beaten Swiatek just twice in eight attempts, with the first win coming at the 2024 Olympics. Swiatek, who received treatment on her left thigh, will end 2026 without a major title for the first time since 2021, despite recent tournament victories in Toronto and a semi-final run in Cincinnati.
Zheng's dramatic comebacks could resonate with sports fans beyond tennis, offering a compelling narrative of resilience after injury and ranking setbacks. Her qualification run may also challenge assumptions about the dominance of top seeds, potentially inspiring lower-ranked players to believe in similar upsets. For Swiatek, this early exit could prompt a reassessment of her season, while the broader tennis audience may see increased viewership for the upcoming quarter-final as Zheng's momentum draws new attention.