Qualifier Qinwen Zheng erased a 5-0 first-set deficit to stun eighth seed Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-3 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, reaching the 2026 US Open quarterfinals.
Qinwen Zheng Stuns Iga Swiatek With Remarkable Comeback
Chinese qualifier Qinwen Zheng pulled off one of the most astonishing comebacks of the 2026 US Open, stunning eighth seed Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-3 on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Trailing 5-0 in the opening set, the Olympic champion engineered a miraculous seven-game winning streak to turn the fourth-round clash completely on its head. With this straight-sets victory, Zheng became the first female qualifier to reach the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows since Emma Raducanu in 2021.
A Nightmare Start and a Miraculous Turnaround
The match began as a total mismatch under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Swiatek, the 2022 champion, came out firing with fierce intensity and dictated the baseline rallies. Hitting sharp, angled groundstrokes, the Polish star raced to a commanding 5-0 lead in just over 20 minutes as Zheng struggled with unforced errors and a double fault.
However, just as she had done in her previous round against Madison Keys—where she also erased a 5-0 deficit—Zheng completely shifted momentum. Finding deep rhythm on her forehand and raising her first-serve accuracy, the 23-year-old began chipping away at the score. Swiatek grew visibly tense as her early lead evaporated, leaking double faults under pressure. Zheng claimed seven games in a row to snatch a breathtaking first set, 7-5. See also: Elena Rybakina Powers Past Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-4
Zheng Dominates the Second Set
Carrying the immense psychological advantage into the second set, Zheng refused to let up. Swiatek tried desperately to regain control, even taking a medical timeout to treat a leg issue. Despite the physical discomfort, the former world number one fought hard, trading early games with the resurgent Chinese star.
As the second set wore on, Zheng’s court coverage and heavy groundstrokes proved too much. She broke serve to pull ahead 4-3 and kept her composure under immense pressure. Serving for the match at 5-3, Zheng closed out the contest cleanly, sealing the second set 6-3 with powerful, precise play.
Continuing a Fairy-Tale Run
Having climbed back through the qualifiers following elbow surgery, Zheng’s inspiring fairy-tale run at Flushing Meadows continues. She now advances to her third career US Open quarterfinal, where she will face second seed Elena Rybakina for a place in the semifinals.