Zheng’s Remarkable Comeback
Qinwen Zheng delivered a stunning performance at the US Open, overcoming former champion Iga Swiatek in straight sets to advance to the quarter-finals. This victory marks Zheng’s third appearance in the last eight of the tournament. Her win on Arthur Ashe stadium followed another remarkable comeback just two days prior, where she saved a match point while trailing Madison Keys 5-0 in the third set.
In her match against Swiatek, Zheng faced a significant deficit early on, losing the first five games. However, she mounted an impressive fightback, winning the next seven games consecutively to secure the first set. She then continued to dominate, overpowering Swiatek to complete a 7-5 6-3 victory. Swiatek, the 2022 champion, was visibly affected by the turn of events, leaving the court in tears after her campaign concluded unexpectedly.
Zheng, a former world No 4 from China, entered the tournament through qualifying after recovering from a long-term elbow injury. Her achievement makes her the first qualifier to reach the quarter-finals since Emma Raducanu won the tournament in 2021. This impressive run sets her up for a last-eight clash against either Naomi Osaka or Elena Rybakina.
Player Reactions and Other Matches
Following her victory, Zheng expressed her satisfaction with her performance. She noted that she did not start the match well but gradually found her rhythm. She also highlighted her focus during the match, stating that she even forgot the score at one point, which she believes contributed to her ability to come back from a 0-5 deficit. Zheng credited her team for their hard work, which she believes has brought her to this stage.
In other women’s singles action, Mirra Andreeva also secured a comeback win, defeating Anastasia Potapova. Potapova, who won the first set, suffered a knee injury while trailing 5-3 in the third set. Despite having her knee heavily strapped, she was unable to win another point, and Andreeva triumphed with a score of 5-7 6-4 6-3. Andreeva expressed her sympathy for Potapova, who she described as a good friend, acknowledging that it was not the way anyone would want a match to end.
On the men’s side, Francisco Cerundolo was in action against Alexander Blockx on Arthur Ashe. Cerundolo, the 24th seed, was playing in his furthest reach at the US Open, while the 21-year-old Blockx, the 26th seed, was making his very first visit to the tournament. The match saw Blockx take the first set 6-3, despite both players appearing to struggle with their movement and focus at various points. Blockx received treatment for his body during the changeover after the first set, and Cerundolo was observed to be struggling with his focus and equilibrium throughout the match.
The atmosphere on Arthur Ashe was noted to be less boisterous during the Cerundolo-Blockx match compared to the earlier Zheng-Swiatek encounter, which was described as a “match for the ages.” The conditions in New York City were manageable, with temperatures around 27 degrees. The day’s schedule also included a women’s doubles match before Osaka and Rybakina were set to play on Armstrong, with Gea versus Van de Zandschulp following a men’s doubles match.
Zheng’s victory marks a significant moment in the tournament, as she continues her impressive run after returning from injury and navigating the qualifying rounds. Her next challenge will be against either Naomi Osaka or Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals.
Source: theguardian.com