Zheng Qinwen's US Open Comebacks Make History

The Cliff News | 9 September 2026

Chinese tennis sensation Zheng Qinwen has etched her name in tennis history at the US Open 2026 with two astonishing come-from-behind victories. She has achieved the rare feat of winning two consecutive matches after trailing 0-5, a testament to her unwavering fighting spirit and remarkable resilience.

These consecutive comebacks are being hailed as some of the most memorable in the annals of tennis, showcasing Zheng's clutch performance under immense pressure.

Historic Victories Against Top Opponents

Zheng's extraordinary fightback was demonstrated in two pivotal matches. First, in the Round of 16 against Iga Swiatek, a formidable six-time Grand Slam champion, Zheng found herself down 0-5 in the opening set. Displaying incredible mental fortitude, she rallied to win seven consecutive games, clinching the set 7-5. She continued her dominance to defeat Swiatek 7-5, 6-3, securing her place in the quarterfinals.

Just two days prior, in the third round against Madison Keys, Zheng faced a similar deficit. Trailing 0-5 in the deciding third set, she once again mounted a spectacular comeback, winning seven games on the trot to ultimately win the match 1-6, 7-6, 7-5. This repeated display of overcoming substantial deficits underscores her tenacity.

A Remarkable Journey as a Qualifier

Zheng's performance carries added significance given her recent journey. Following elbow surgery, her ranking had slipped to 121st. She entered the US Open 2026 as a qualifier, making her run to the quarterfinals even more remarkable.

Her seven consecutive wins, including these two improbable escapes, have propelled her into the quarterfinals, where she is set to face Elena Rybakina. This advancement marks a significant milestone in her career, especially after overcoming a major injury setback.