The Olympic champion, sidelined by elbow surgery, defied a 5-0 third-set deficit and match point to stun Madison Keys.

In a match described as “very dramatic,” Chinese tennis sensation Zheng Qinwen orchestrated an extraordinary comeback at the US Open. Facing American crowd favorite Madison Keys in the third round, Zheng found herself in an almost insurmountable position, trailing 5-0 and facing a match point in the deciding third set.

However, the 23-year-old Olympic champion refused to yield, battling back with incredible resolve. She strung together seven consecutive games, transforming what seemed like an inevitable defeat into a remarkable 1-6 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 victory over the 22nd seed.

This stunning win marks a pivotal moment for Zheng, who is courageously rebuilding her career following a significant elbow surgery last year. Her resilience and mental fortitude were on full display in one of the tournament's most memorable encounters, according to reporting by BBC Sport - Tennis.

A Miraculous Turnaround on the US Open Court

Madison Keys, the 2025 Australian Open winner, appeared destined for a straightforward win, swiftly securing the opening set in just 23 minutes. Yet, Zheng Qinwen, demonstrating incredible fight, rallied in the second set, claiming it in a crucial tie-break. The true test of her mettle came in the third, where Keys was within a single point of victory.

Zheng, however, held firm, denying Keys the decisive point and embarking on an unbelievable run. Her ability to stay composed under immense pressure allowed her to seize control of the match, eventually clinching the decider 7-5. After the final point, Zheng threw herself onto the court in a mix of relief and triumph.

Reflecting on her narrow escape and a challenging year, Zheng shared her relief. “Finally, a bit of luck is on my side,” she stated. “I am just telling myself ever give up. Somehow, little by little, it’s just happened. Tennis sometimes feels like rollercoaster. You see many times people have a match point, but at the end we made a comeback.”

Rebuilding a Champion's Career After Injury

This remarkable comeback victory carries even deeper significance given Zheng Qinwen’s recent struggles. Just three months prior, she was openly weeping during a news conference after a first-round exit at the French Open. This marked her first Grand Slam appearance since undergoing elbow surgery in July 2025 to address a chronic injury caused by small bone fragments.

The injury halted a burgeoning career that saw her reach the 2024 Australian Open final, win Olympic gold, and make the US Open quarter-finals. She also started 2025 strong, reaching the Roland Garros quarter-finals and climbing to a career-high world No. 4 ranking before the injury struck. The subsequent nine months on the sidelines took a heavy toll.

Upon her return, Zheng openly admitted, “After coming back from injury I felt I lost the energy and I forgot how to compete.” Her ranking plummeted to as low as 160, forcing her to participate in a Grand Slam qualifying event for the first time in four years. This US Open run is a testament to her arduous journey back to elite form.

From Qualifying Rounds to Grand Slam Spotlight

Zheng Qinwen’s path to the US Open main draw was anything but easy. She did not meet the criteria for a protected ranking, which is typically granted to players out injured for at least six months. This was due to her decision for an early return to play her home tournament in Beijing in October 2025, meaning she had to earn her spot through the grueling qualifying rounds.

The emotional strain of this process was evident. “I was even crying after I won the third match to reach the main draw,” Zheng revealed. She found it difficult to accept having to fight so hard just to start on equal footing with other players. “The main draw is just the beginning where all the players start. That was my beginning before. I fight so hard just to start like everyone else. For me, that was really not easy.”

Her stunning progression as a qualifier places her in an exclusive club. Zheng is the first qualifier to reach the women's fourth round at the US Open since Britain's Emma Raducanu, who famously went on to win the title in 2021. This parallel fuels speculation about Zheng’s potential deep run in the tournament.

Finding Joy and Focus Amidst Adversity

Throughout her matches in New York, Zheng Qinwen has consistently demonstrated remarkable composure, often being pushed to three sets in four of her six contests. Her calm demeanor was particularly evident during her match against Keys, even when faced with unexpected distractions.

At a critical moment, 5-4 0-15 down, Zheng had to pause her service motion when a baby started crying in the stands. Instead of being flustered, she handled it with good humor. “If it’s adult, probably I will look at him very hard or start to speak, but it’s just a baby,” Zheng quipped. “I can’t do anything, you know? It’s just a baby.” She then proceeded to win the next four points, leveling the tie and paving the way for her historic comeback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Zheng Qinwen?

Zheng Qinwen is a 23-year-old Chinese professional tennis player, an Olympic champion, and a former world No. 4. She is known for her powerful game and has achieved significant success on the WTA Tour.

What was Zheng Qinwen's injury?

Zheng Qinwen suffered a chronic elbow injury caused by small pieces of bone floating in her elbow, which required surgery in July 2025. This injury led to a significant period away from professional tennis.

Why did Zheng Qinwen have to qualify for the US Open?

After her injury, Zheng Qinwen's ranking dropped considerably. She did not meet the criteria for a protected ranking because she made an early return to play in her home tournament in Beijing in October 2025, necessitating her participation in the US Open qualifying rounds.

What is the significance of Zheng Qinwen's US Open run as a qualifier?

By reaching the fourth round, Zheng Qinwen became the first qualifier in the women's singles draw at the US Open to achieve this feat since Emma Raducanu in 2021. Raducanu famously went on to win the tournament as a qualifier, drawing parallels to Zheng's inspiring journey.