Epic US Open Comebacks
Anastasia Potapova upsets Amanda Anisimova while Zheng Qinwen rallies for a stunning US Open comeback.
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Key Points
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Potapova has climbed back inside the world’s top 25 and recorded her third victory over a top-10 opponent this season, following wins over Coco Gauff at the French Open and Elena Rybakina in Madrid.
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Potapova said her pre-match tactics did not naturally suit her game, but praised her ability to execute them: “I think it’s one of the best games that I’ve ever had.” She also credited tour experience and maturity for her resurgence.
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Potapova saved 13 of the 16 break points she faced and is scheduled to play either fifth-seeded French Open champion Mirra Andreeva or Czech player Nikola Bartunkova in the fourth round.
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Zheng Qinwen had to come through qualifying to enter the US Open main draw, underscoring the scale of her comeback after elbow surgery; she has previously been ranked as high as No. 4 and won Olympic gold for China in 2024.
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After Zheng’s comeback began, Madison Keys showed her frustration by repeatedly banging her racket against her head and pulling off her visor. Zheng described her approach as staying engaged point by point: “Keep holding every single point, never give up, stay there and somehow little by little it just happened.”
Anastasia Potapova stunned No. 10 seed Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 7-5 to reach the US Open fourth round for the first time, capping a stunning resurgence from a ranking low of No. 97 in April RFI. In another comeback story, Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen rallied from 1-6, 1-5 down to defeat No. 22 Madison Keys 1-6, 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 after returning from elbow surgery and falling to No. 121 China Daily.
Potapova's Dominant Performance Against Anisimova
Potapova controlled the match from the start, forcing Anisimova into 46 unforced errors. She capitalized on her break-point opportunities, converting six of eight chances while Anisimova managed only three conversions in 16 chances France24. Potapova saved 13 of 16 break points she faced, displaying remarkable defensive tennis throughout the contest.
The victory marked Potapova's third win over a top-10 opponent this season, following wins over Coco Gauff at the French Open and Elena Rybakina in Madrid RFI. Potapova has now climbed back inside the world's top 25 and credited her success to tour experience and maturity. She said of her performance: "I think it's one of the best games that I've ever had."
Anisimova's Continued Struggles at Grand Slams
The loss extended Anisimova's difficult stretch at major tournaments. Despite reaching the US Open final last year and Wimbledon's final, she has exited in the third round at each of the past three majors in 2026 France24. The third-round exits mark a sharp decline from her recent deep runs at two of tennis's biggest events.
Zheng's Remarkable Comeback After Elbow Surgery
Zheng Qinwen's victory over Madison Keys represented one of the tournament's most dramatic comebacks. She trailed 1-6, 1-5 but clawed back to win 1-6, 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, showcasing mental toughness and determination China Daily. Zheng had to come through qualifying to enter the main draw, underscoring the scale of her comeback after elbow surgery sidelined her.
The Olympic gold medalist, who was previously ranked as high as No. 4, fell to No. 121 due to her injury recovery. Zheng described her approach as staying present: "Keep holding every single point, never give up, stay there and somehow little by little it just happened RFI." Her resurgence demonstrates the power of persistence and mental resilience in professional tennis.
What's Next for Both Players
Potapova will face either fifth-seeded French Open champion Mirra Andreeva or Czech player Nikola Bartunkova in the fourth round RFI. Her path to a potential semifinal run remains challenging but appears more realistic given her recent form and confidence. Both Potapova and Zheng have demonstrated that comebacks are possible at the sport's highest level.
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