US Open: Zheng Stuns Swiatek, Andreeva Reaches Quarterfinals
Qinwen Zheng stuns world No. 8 Iga Swiatek after trailing 5-0 in the first set, while Mirra Andreeva reaches her first US Open quarterfinal after Anastasia Potapova suffers a knee injury.
The round of 16 at the US Open continued on Monday, delivering high-stakes drama and remarkable comebacks in both the women's and men's draws.
Zheng Stuns Swiatek with Historic Comeback
China's Qinwen Zheng, ranked 121st in the world, pulled off a monumental upset by defeating world No. 8 Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-3 to secure her spot in the final eight.
The match initially appeared to be a one-sided affair. Swiatek started aggressively, capitalizing on a series of unforced errors by Zheng to race to a quick 5-0 lead in the opening set. However, Zheng dramatically reduced her error count while Swiatek lost her precision. The Chinese player went on an extraordinary run, winning seven consecutive games to claim the first set 7-5.
Remarkably, this was not Zheng's first such escape in the tournament. In her previous match against Madison Keys, Zheng had also trailed 5-0 in the third set before winning seven straight games to take the match 7-5.
In the second set, Swiatek attempted to halt Zheng's momentum, breaking early to lead 1-0 and later 2-1. Before the fourth game, a medical trainer examined Swiatek, who appeared visibly uncomfortable but chose to continue. Zheng seized the opportunity, leveling the score and winning three consecutive games to lead 5-3 before serving out the match.
Andreeva Advances Amid Drama
Fifth-seeded Mirra Andreeva defeated Anastasia Potapova 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 to reach her first-career US Open quarterfinal.
The match ended under distressing circumstances. In the ninth game of the third set, Potapova collapsed on the court clutching her left knee in severe pain. Andreeva immediately rushed to assist her opponent to the bench. After receiving medical treatment and having her leg bandaged, Potapova returned to finish the match. Andreeva sealed the victory with a backhand winner but chose to comfort her opponent rather than celebrate.
Andreeva said after the match:
"She is a very good friend of mine, and seeing the battle we had and then seeing her fall like that is not easy. This is obviously not the way you want to finish a match. I just told her she played amazingly."
Men's Draw: Zverev and Contenders Battle On
In the men's draw, top-seeded Alexander Zverev faces Italy's Luciano Darderi. Zverev has already spent 11 hours and 52 minutes on court during the tournament, more than any other player, including two grueling five-set matches that concluded late at night.
In other matchups, France's Arthur Gea faces Botic van de Zandschulp, who previously eliminated Carlos Alcaraz. Karen Khachanov will play American Lerner Tien, while Francisco Cerundolo, fresh off a comeback from two sets down against Taylor Fritz, faces Belgium's Alexander Blockx.
