US Open 2026 Results: Zheng Qinwen Overcomes Madison Keys from Match Point Down
BBC Sport reports on the dramatic victory by Zheng Qinwen over Madison Keys at the US Open 2026, where she came back from a 5-0 and match point deficit in the third set.
Zheng Qinwen, the Olympic champion, had to qualify for the main draw but showed incredible resilience, winning seven consecutive games to secure a remarkable victory: 1-6 7-6 (7-3) 7-5.
Key Moments:
- Tough Beginning: Keys dominated the opening set, wrapping it up in just 23 minutes.
- Comeback: Zheng, battling through elbow surgery recovery, won a tie-break and then took seven consecutive games to level the match.
- Historic Qualification: She becomes the first qualifier to reach the women's fourth round at the US Open since Emma Raducanu's triumph in 2021.
Zheng, reflecting on her comeback, said, "Finally, a bit of luck is on my side... I am just telling myself ever give up."
Background:
- Surgery and Recovery: Zheng underwent elbow surgery in July 2025, missing the French Open. Her ranking dropped to 160, requiring her to qualify for the US Open.
- Previous Success: She reached the Australian Open final, won Olympic gold, and made the US Open quarter-finals in 2024 before injury struck.