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Zheng Qualifier Stuns Swiatek, Reaches US Open Quarters

9/8/2026

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Summary

Zheng Upsets Swiatek

Qinwen Zheng defeated eighth-seed Iga Swiatek to reach the US Open quarterfinals.
She rallied from 0-5 down in the first set, winning seven straight games to take it 7-5.
After elbow surgery, Zheng entered through qualifying and became the first US Open quarterfinalist qualifier since Emma Raducanu in 2021.
Zheng will face either Naomi Osaka or Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals.

Summary

Zheng’s Comeback

Zheng reached his sixth Grand Slam round-of-16, after missing two majors because of injuries.
Beijing commentator Luo Le said the win shows Zheng’s physical recovery after injury setbacks.
The US Open X account shared a graphic calling Zheng’s turnaround ‘comeback of the year.’
Hashtags about Zheng trended on Sina Weibo, and fans produced AI-generated artwork of the match.

History

Historical Context

In September 2021 Emma Raducanu entered the US Open ranked No. 150, won every match without dropping a set and became the first qualifier in the Open Era to claim a Grand Slam, the first British woman to win a major since Virginia Wade in 1977. The upset inspired other qualifiers, exemplified by Qinwen Zheng’s 0-5 comeback over Iga Swiatek to reach the 2021 US Open quarterfinals, first such appearance since Raducanu.

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Zheng Upsets Swiatek

Qinwen Zheng defeated eighth-seed Iga Swiatek to reach the US Open quarterfinals.
She rallied from 0-5 down in the first set, winning seven straight games to take it 7-5.
After elbow surgery, Zheng entered through qualifying and became the first US Open quarterfinalist qualifier since Emma Raducanu in 2021.
Zheng will face either Naomi Osaka or Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals.

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