Zheng Qinwen mounted a stunning U.S. Open comeback on Saturday, winning the final seven games to eliminate No. 22 Madison Keys 1-6, 7-6 (3), 7-5 in a third-round match where Keys held a match point while serving at 5-1 in the second set, according to tournament reports.
Zheng and Osaka Stage Dramatic Flushing Meadows Rallies
The Olympic gold medalist from China executed a dramatic turnaround after dropping the opening set and falling behind heavily in the second. According to Zheng, she simply told herself to keep holding every single point and never give up. Keys admitted she got really scared and couldn’t swing once the lead slipped away, noting that tennis felt really hard. Zheng will face 2022 U.S. Open champion Iga Swiatek in the next round.
Hours later on the hard courts, 13th-seeded Naomi Osaka joined Zheng in the fourth round by defeating Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. Osaka battled back from a 4-2 deficit in the third set, stating that she put her entire heart on the court after feeling very negative on herself throughout the match.
Did you know? Zheng Qinwen had to navigate the qualifying rounds to reach the main draw of this year’s tournament following elbow surgery that temporarily dropped her ranking.
Seed Exits Shake Up the Draw
While Zheng and Osaka survived, the singles draw saw major casualties among top seeds. Men’s No. 9 seed Taylor Fritz blew a two-set lead and fell to No. 24 Francisco Cerundolo 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Fritz admitted he did not know how he let the match slip away, while Cerundolo credited finding a higher level of play in the fourth and fifth sets.
Amanda Anisimova also exited in the third round, losing to No. 24 Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 7-5. Potapova capitalized on break points by converting 6 of 8 opportunities, whereas Anisimova converted just 3 of 16. Potapova advanced to face No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva. Meanwhile, No. 5 seed Flavio Cobolli fell in four sets to No. 28 Alexander Blockx, leaving the men’s draw without six of its top 10 seeds.
Gauff and Jovic Advance in Women’s Bracket
Coco Gauff, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, defeated Cristina Bucsa 6-3, 6-4 to reach the second week. Gauff remarked that she is fully accustomed to reaching Week 2 now. She will face 18-year-old compatriot Iva Jovic next.
Jovic advanced after a grueling three-hour battle against fan favorite Alex Eala of the Philippines, winning 7-5, 3-6, 7-5. Jovic noted that the level of play was incredible from both sides and required everything she had to secure the victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Zheng Qinwen defeat in the third round of the U.S. Open?
Zheng defeated No. 22 seed Madison Keys 1-6, 7-6 (3), 7-5 after overcoming a 5-1 deficit in the second set.
Who is Zheng Qinwen playing next in the tournament?
Zheng will face 2022 U.S. Open champion Iga Swiatek in her next match.
Which major men’s seed was eliminated after holding a two-set lead?
Men’s No. 9 seed Taylor Fritz was eliminated by No. 24 Francisco Cerundolo in a five-set match.
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