US Open news: Zheng Qinwen stuns former champion Iga Swiatek in straight sets

US Open news: Zheng Qinwen stuns former champion Iga Swiatek in straight sets appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Overcoming a 0-5 deficit versus a former Grand Slam champion is extremely difficult to comprehend, but accomplishing the same feat just two days later against a six-time major winner should not be possible. Zheng Qinwen is displaying unprecedented perseverance during the 2026 US Open.

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Fresh off surviving a three-set clash with American and 2025 Australian Open champ Madison Keys, the 23-year-old native of China ousted future Hall of Famer Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals. Once again, she dramatically flipped momentum versus a battle-tested opponent in a high-pressure situation.

Zheng has personified resilience during her latest trip to New York, earning a spot in the draw through qualifiers and digging out of 5-0 holes in consecutive sets. Tennis fans know the ample talent this Olympic gold medalist possesses, but when a player suffers an injury and falls outside the top-120 in the world rankings, it takes more than just ability to advance. Zheng is reminding everyone just how valuable the mental component of this sport can be.

Swiatek is a 2022 US Open champion currently ranked inside the top-10 and is one of the most accomplished women of her era. She does not often collapse in such a manner. The Polish star received attention from a trainer during the second set, but it is unclear if she was dealing with an injury. Regardless, Zheng Qinwen deserves copious praise for securing this massive win.

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The 2024 Australian Open finalist underwent elbow surgery last year, and lost in the opening round of the French Open, Wimbledon, Mubadala DC Open and National Bank Open. Her nightmare has finally ended, and a dream run is now taking place in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. She will face another multi-time Grand Slam champ in the quarters — either Naomi Osaka or Elena Rybakina — so flirting with death again is probably not an ideal strategy.

Or is it? Make assumptions at your own peril.

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