Zheng Qinwen stuns Madison Keys with comeback from 5-1 down in deciding set at US Open

The US Open witnessed one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent WTA history when Zheng Qinwen beat Madison Keys 1-6, 7-6(3), 7-5. Keys led 5-0 in the deciding set and held a match point on her own serve at 5-1, only to lose seven consecutive games. Zheng, ranked 121 after coming back from elbow surgery and qualifying for the tournament, showed the fighting spirit she once displayed as world number four, Australian Open finalist and Olympic champion. Keys, who had saved five match points in her previous round, lost her emotional composure after missing her own match point. She banged her racket against her head and removed her visor as her game unravelled. Data shows Keys could not convert the biggest moment of the match, while Zheng stayed patient and let her opponent make mistakes. In another match, Amanda Anisimova wasted 13 of 16 break points, converting only three, while Anastasia Potapova converted six of eight break points to reach the fourth round. The result is a reminder that rankings do not always tell the full story of a player’s true level, especially after injuries. Zheng still needs more wins over top-30 opponents to prove she is fully back. For Keys, the collapse raises questions about her ability to close matches under emotional pressure.