Qinwen Zheng, the Olympic gold medallist, has successfully advanced to the third round of the US Open following a hard-fought victory against Yulia Putintseva. The match showcased Zheng's resilience and determination as she celebrated her win with a fist pump after falling to the court, a testament to her competitive spirit.
After a challenging 2025 season marred by injuries, including a lengthy recovery from elbow surgery, Zheng has faced significant hurdles in her quest to regain her top form. The former world number four missed the Australian Open earlier this year and has struggled to find her rhythm on the court.
Reflecting on her journey, Zheng stated, "Before the surgery, for me winning is like drinking water -- everything comes natural, everything comes fluent." However, she acknowledged that post-surgery, she faced tough matches against elite players, which left her feeling disconnected from her competitive edge. "I totally lost the dynamic of how to compete," she admitted.
In her latest match, Zheng defeated Putintseva with a scoreline of 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, marking a significant step in her comeback. Despite her recent struggles, she expressed relief at finding her competitive fire again, stating, "Now after two, three months I really felt the first time in this tournament I find myself, I found my fire back during the competition." This victory is particularly meaningful as Zheng had to navigate through the qualifying rounds to secure her spot in the main draw of the US Open, a situation she found difficult to accept.
"It takes a while for me to accept my ranking dropped to 125 and, OK, I need to actually play qualies," Zheng reflected on her journey back to the main stage. Her determination has paid off, as she now prepares to face former Australian Open champion Madison Keys in the next round, a matchup that promises to be a significant test for the rejuvenated player.
Looking ahead, Zheng is eager to return to one of the main show courts at Flushing Meadows, having spent the early rounds on the outer courts. "I used to always play on the big court," she noted, underscoring her desire to reclaim her place among the tournament's elite. As she continues her pursuit of success at the US Open, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Zheng can build on this momentum and make a deep run in the tournament.
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