Zheng Qinwen Chases Historic US Open Run Following Inspiring Comebacks

Five years ago at the US Open, Emma Raducanu pulled off a miracle by becoming the first qualifier in tennis history to win a Grand Slam title while ranked 150th in the world. In June this year, Maja Chwalinska nearly replicated that feat by reaching the French Open final as a qualifier before losing to Mirra Andreeva. The player Chwalinska defeated in the first round of that run was Zheng Qinwen, the reigning Olympic champion.

Zheng broke down in tears following that tough defeat at Roland Garros, struggling after returning to the tour in February. Her ranking subsequently dropped to 160 during the grass-court season. Reflecting on the loss, Zheng noted that it taught her the importance of staying humble and continuing to work hard, maintaining her inner confidence that she would eventually return to form.

After early exits at Wimbledon and hard-court events, Zheng had a heart-to-heart with her coach, Pere Riba, who recommended a rigorous training block at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The intense preparation eventually paid off. With a ranking of 121, Zheng had to battle through the qualifying rounds at the US Open before advancing to the quarter-finals, defeating Grand Slam champions Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek along the way with remarkable comebacks from 0-5 deficits.

Now just three wins away from mirroring Raducanu's historic achievement, Zheng maintains a grounded mindset, recognizing her starting point as she prepares to face Elena Rybakina in a high-stakes quarter-final clash.