Overview
- Zheng lost in the U.S. Open quarterfinals to second seed Elena Rybakina in three sets on Wednesday, ending her run 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.
- She came through three qualifying rounds to reach the last eight, becoming the first qualifier to reach the U.S. Open quarterfinals since Emma Raducanu in 2021.
- Her New York run featured dramatic reversals, including a comeback from 5-0 down to beat Madison Keys where she saved a match point, and a recovery in the opening set to upset Iga Świątek.
- Zheng underwent right-elbow surgery in July 2025, then rebuilt fitness and technique with an intensive training block at IMG Academy after withdrawing from Cincinnati.
- The U.S. Open points from this week are projected to move her from around No. 121 back toward the top 60, improving her seeding and setting momentum for key WTA events in Beijing and Wuhan.