NEW YORK — Zheng Qinwen produced a remarkable second consecutive comeback from a 0-5 deficit at the U.S. Open on Monday, storming back to defeat No. 8 seed Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-3 on Arthur Ashe Stadium to become the first qualifier to reach the tournament's quarterfinals since Emma Raducanu's title run in 2021.

Zheng, of China and the 2024 Olympic gold medalist, quickly fell behind 5-0 against the 2022 U.S. Open champion, with Swiatek holding multiple set points at both 5-1 and 5-3. Rather than folding under the pressure, Zheng steadily found her range on return as Swiatek's level dropped, ultimately winning seven consecutive games to claim the opening set before pulling away in the second.

Zheng saved break points on her second serve during the pivotal turning point of the match before launching a deep return and a backhand winner down the line to break Swiatek's serve, a game that appeared to drain the remaining momentum from her opponent, who grew visibly frustrated as unforced errors mounted. Zheng ultimately sealed the straight-sets victory when Swiatek hit a ball into the net on match point.

Speaking after the win, Zheng reflected on the improbable pattern now defining her tournament, coming just two days after she rallied from an identical 5-0 deficit in the deciding third set to upset No. 22 seed Madison Keys.

"I guess to come back 0-5........

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