Qinwen Zheng Outlasts Iga Świątek in a Thrilling US Open Clash

Qinwen Zheng just beat Iga Swiatek 7-5 6-3 to reach the US Open quarterfinals, completing one of the most remarkable runs of the tournament.

A Slow Start Turns Around

The Chinese qualifier fell into an early hole against former world No. 1, Iga Swiatek, in the Round of 16 in Arthur Ashe stadium, dropping the first five games. It looked, for a moment, like the match might slip away early, with Swiatek playing the kind of clean, dominant tennis that had helped her win Toronto this year and reach the Cincinnati semifinals just weeks ago.

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But Zheng found a way to regain her composure and seal the set 7-5.

It was the exact same situation she faced against Madison Keys on the third set on the previous round, when she also had to come back from 0-5 to survive and advance.

Once again, Zheng leaned on the same fighting instincts that had carried her through that escape earlier, and from then on the match belonged to her, with no visibly worry on her face.

Momentum Shifts in the Second Set

Arthur Ashe erupted as Zheng completed her comeback on the first set and the excitement carried into the second set as the former world No. 4 produced effective aces, powerful forehands and high quality passing shots, repeatedly forcing the 2022 US Open champion into uncomfortable positions.

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Swiatek spoke briefly with her coach, appearing to receive encouragement and advice on how to make a strong start and keep the match alive for a potential deciding set.

Before the fourth game began, Swiatek required a medical time-out due to an apparent discomfort on her left leg. Nothing serious came of it, though, and the match continued with both players trading well produced shots that had the stadium on its feet.

Four match points later, Qinwen Zheng emerged victorious to book her place in the quarterfinals.

A Rivalry Defined by One Result

Previous to this encounter, their head-to-head stood at 7-1 in favor of the Pole, with Swiatek having won four of their last five meetings in straight sets, including their most recent clash at Indian Wells. The one time Zheng beat Swiatek was at the 2024 Paris Olympics, when the now 23-year-old won in straight sets in the semifinals – a result that snapped Swiatek's long winning streak on the clay of Roland Garros and propelled Zheng toward the gold medal. Today's win, on hard court and under the spotlight of the crowd at Arthur Ashe, may end up carrying even more weight

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The Last Word

Qinwen Zheng's best result at the US Open was back-to-back quarterfinals in 2023 and 2024. With today's victory she matches the result and is one step closer to a first Grand Slam title in her career – a remarkable achievement for Zheng, who had to come through qualifying due to her low ranking. She entered the main draw after beating Clara Burel and Elena Pridankina.

After overcoming the challenges of the last two matches, Zheng finds herself just three wins away from a Grand Slam title. What began in qualifying has turned into one of the most impressive runs of the tournament.

Main Photo Credit: Imagn Images via Reuters

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