Iga Swiatek’s US Open 2026 campaign ended in the fourth round as Qinwen Zheng produced a stunning comeback to beat the eighth seed 7-5, 6-3. Swiatek appeared in control early, racing into a 5-0 lead and moving closer to the opening set. Zheng refused to fold, however, winning seven of the next seven games to turn the contest around. The defeat ends Swiatek’s run at Flushing Meadows. It ended hopes of a run in New York.
US Open results: Iga Swiatek Loses Control After Fast Start
Swiatek’s start was emphatic. She established a 5-0 advantage before Zheng finally found a response. The Chinese star then changed the momentum with aggressive returning and heavier baseline play.
Zheng levelled the first set at 5-5 before breaking again to move ahead 6-5. She then held serve to complete a remarkable 7-5 turnaround.
The result adds another chapter to their rivalry. Swiatek had won seven of their first eight meetings, while Zheng’s most notable victory came in the 2024 Paris Olympics semi-final. The Olympic champion has now added another major win over the Pole, this time on hard court.
The US Open 2026 match also featured a physical concern for Swiatek. She took a medical timeout during the second set for treatment to her left thigh. Zheng stayed composed and continued to apply pressure.
Qinwen Zheng Reaches US Open 2026 Quarter-Finals
Qinwen Zheng completed the US Open upset by taking the second set 6-3. She broke Swiatek twice in the set and eventually converted her fourth match point.
The victory continues an extraordinary New York run for Zheng. She entered the main draw through qualifying and had already survived a huge scare against Madison Keys in the third round. Against Keys, she recovered from 0-5 in the deciding set, saved a match point and won 1-6, 7-6(3), 7-5.
Zheng’s latest victory means she reaches the US Open quarter-finals after qualifying. Swiatek arrived in New York after winning Toronto and bringing a 10-match hard-court winning streak into the tournament.
Swiatek US Open exit leaves women’s draw without the former champion, while Zheng moves into the last eight with growing momentum. She will face either Naomi Osaka or Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals.
