Zheng Qinwen Saves Match Point in Stunning US Open Comeback

Zheng Qinwen produced a dramatic escape at the US Open, recovering from 5-0 and match point down in the deciding set to defeat Madison Keys in the third round. The Chinese qualifier won 1-6, 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, reeling off the final seven games against the American 22nd seed to secure a place in the fourth round.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjyzXDi1j3s

BBC Sport reported that Keys, the 2025 Australian Open champion, took the opening set in 23 minutes and appeared in firm control. Zheng responded by forcing a second-set tie-break and winning it 7-3, extending the contest before her position became even more difficult in the final set.

Keys moved to within one game of victory at 5-0, and Zheng also had to save a match point. From there, the Olympic champion held her nerve and completed a turnaround that ended with her falling to the court in relief. Afterward, the 23-year-old described the contest as a very dramatic match and said some luck had finally been on her side.

The result carries added significance because Zheng had to qualify for the main draw. According to BBC Sport, she is the first qualifier to reach the US Open women's fourth round since Emma Raducanu in 2021. She has now won six matches in New York when her three qualifying victories are included, with four of those six contests going to three sets.

Zheng's route back to this stage followed elbow surgery in July 2025 for a chronic problem caused by small pieces of bone in the joint. Her comeback included nine months away from Grand Slam competition, and she lost in the first round of this year's French Open to eventual runner-up Maja Chwalinska. Her ranking fell as low as 160, requiring her to enter US Open qualifying.

That disruption followed a breakthrough 2024 season in which Zheng reached the Australian Open final, won Olympic gold and advanced to the US Open quarter-finals. BBC Sport also reported that she climbed to a career-high world ranking of fourth after reaching the French Open quarter-finals in 2025, before the injury interrupted her progress. Her latest win ensures that comeback will continue into the second week in New York.