Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen staged a remarkable comeback to defeat 22nd seed Madison Keys 1-6 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 and reach the US Open fourth round. The Chinese qualifier, rebuilding after elbow surgery, trailed 5-0 and faced match point in the third set before winning seven straight games. Keys, the 2025 Australian Open champion, dominated the opening set in 23 minutes but faltered as Zheng rallied. "Finally, a bit of luck is on my side," said the 23-year-old, who became the first qualifier to reach the women's fourth round at Flushing Meadows since Emma Raducanu's 2021 title run.

Zheng, who did not qualify for a protected ranking after an early return in Beijing, fought through qualifying — even crying after winning her final qualifying match. Her composure shone at 5-4 down when a baby's cry halted her serve; she won the next four points to level. "Tennis sometimes feels like rollercoaster," Zheng reflected on a difficult 12 months questioning her form.