US Open: Zheng Qinwen Upsets Iga Swiatek; Gauff, Rybakina, Zverev Advance to Quarterfinals

Zheng Qinwen defeated Iga Swiatek, while Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina also reached the quarterfinals at the US Open. Alexander Zverev advanced in the men's draw. Home favorite Coco Gauff and world number two Elena Rybakina progressed to the quarterfinals, while China's Zheng mounted a comeback to upset six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek. Top seed Alexander Zverev defeated Italian Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3) at Arthur Ashe Stadium, finishing his match before midnight after earlier matches that extended to five sets. Zverev commented on finding his rhythm after a challenging start to the tournament, stating, "I think I’m going in the right direction, moving forward in the right direction." Zverev is seeking a second Grand Slam title after winning the French Open in June, having avenged his earlier defeat by Darderi at the Italian Open. Fourth seed Gauff won against compatriot Iva Jovic 6-1, 6-4 and will face French Open champion Mirra Andreeva in the next round. Gauff remarked on their upcoming match, noting the challenge posed by Andreeva's recent success. Rybakina continued her pursuit of a third major title with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over former US Open champion Naomi Osaka, who was affected by an Achilles tendon injury. This win positions Rybakina one match away from potentially becoming world number one, with Zheng awaiting her in the quarterfinals. Rybakina expressed satisfaction with her progress, stating, "Preparation wasn’t that great. It’s an amazing progress. I’m really glad how everything worked out." Zheng, who has shown resilience in the tournament, previously came back from a 0-5 deficit in the deciding set against Madison Keys and again fought back from a similar situation against Swiatek, ultimately winning on her fourth match point. Zheng is the first qualifier since Emma Raducanu in 2021 to reach the women's quarterfinals, overcoming a chronic elbow injury. In the men's draw, Karen Khachanov defeated American Learner Tien 7-5, 4-6, 6-7(6), 6-1, 6-4, while Botic van de Zandschulp triumphed in a five-hour match against Arthur Gea, who was close to becoming the first lucky loser in Grand Slam history to reach the quarterfinals. Earlier, Belgium's Alexander Blockx won against Argentine 24th seed Francisco Cerundolo 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal.