Full Breakdown
Zheng Qinwen’s Seven-Game Rally Over Madison Keys Stuns US Open
9/7/2026, 2:04:47 AM
The Comeback Victory
On September 5, 2026 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, China’s Zheng Qinwen erased a 0-5 deficit in the deciding third set to defeat No. 22 seed Madison Keys 1-6, 7-6, 7-5. After saving a match point at 5-1, Zheng won the final seven games, securing her first US Open fourth-round appearance since qualifying for the main draw.
Background and Context
Zheng entered as a qualifier after her ranking fell to No. 121 following elbow surgery that sidelined her for much of 2025. The 23-year-old, a 2024 Paris Olympic gold-medalist and former world No. 4, became the first qualifier to reach the US Open women’s fourth round since Emma Raducanu’s 2021 run.
Data and Statistics
- Final score: 1-6, 7-6, 7-5.
- Saved one match point at 5-1 in the third set.
- Won the last seven consecutive games.
- Seeds: Keys No. 22; Zheng unseeded.
- IBM WatsonX projected a 97 % win probability for Keys at the match-point.
Official Statements & Responses
Zheng credited perseverance, saying “the hard work pays off,” and noted she had to rebuild her game after surgery and a ranking drop. She will face six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek in the fourth round.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm just telling myself keep holding every single point, never give up, stay there and somehow, little by little, it just happened,” — Zheng Qinwen
- “I feel like I obviously got off to a really good lead, and then I just got really -- I mean, got really scared, like I couldn't swing,” — Madison Keys
On-the-Ground Reports
The match unfolded before a vocal crowd that cheered Keys’ dominant first set. In the third set, Keys’ frustration was evident as she banged her racket and removed her visor after losing a key point. Zheng’s composure grew as she held serve, broke Keys, claimed the tie-break and sealed the final set.
What’s Next
Zheng’s next opponent will be the winner of the Iga Swiatek versus Marie Bouzkova quarterfinal, a player who defeated Zheng for the Olympic gold medal in Paris. The outcome will determine whether Zheng can continue her historic run toward a potential first Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance.
