Amid backlash from players, Qinwen Zheng has no complaints about late-night matches after reaching 2024 US Open quarterfinals

Qinwen Zheng overcame Donna Vekic in the latest late-night women’s match in the fourth round of the 2024 US Open. Just a month ago, the Chinese ace easily beat the Croatian in the Paris Olympics singles final. This time around, she had to dig deep to come through the contest, which lasted two hours and fifty minutes.

Zheng was the biggest upset in the first round of Wimbledon, losing to Australia qualifier Lulu Sun 6-4, 2-6, 4-6. At the US Open, she made sure the same didn’t repeat, beating Canadian Open finalist Amanda Anisimova 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the first round. The win increased Zheng’s confidence, as she overcame Erika Andreeva and Julie Niemier in the second and third rounds, respectively.

Zheng began her fourth-round match against Vekic by winning the first set via a tiebreak. Vekic increased the tempo of her game in the second set, hitting the ball aggressively, which caused Zheng a lot of problems. In the deciding set, Vekic let herself down as she got easily frustrated at missing shots.

In a match that began at 11:25 pm local time, she occasionally took time tugging her hair or resting her head in her hands in order to get a breather. However, Zheng eventually wrapped up the match 7-6 (2), 4-6, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals of the US Open.

The match also goes down in history as it became the record late finish in women’s singles, ending at 2.15 am local time. While many players have expressed displeasure at having to play well past midnight, Zheng stated that she was used to playing matches at odd hours and saw no reason to complain.

It’s always nice for me to play at the night session. I’m used to it. When I played in Palermo all the time I played really late. It’s my first time playing here in New York til 2 in the morning. That’s unbelievable. Thanks to the fans who are not sleeping tonight and supported me here. 

Qinwen Zheng said at a US Open press conference

The late-night finish became the latest for a women’s match, beating Maria Sakkari vs. Bianca Andreescu in a fourth-round match in 2021 that ended at 2:13 am.

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Qinwen Zheng has stated that she was looking forward to her quarterfinal match against Aryna Sabalenka. The 21-year-old faced the Belarusian in the Australian Open final earlier this year and lost in straight sets.

Sabalenka defeated Elise Mertens in straight sets in her Round of 16 clash. After her win against Donna Vekic, Zheng said that she was looking forward to locking horns with the World No. 2.

I really like to play against her, and I'm looking forward to playing against her. I know she's one of the greatest players on hard courts, and I've been hoping for this moment. 

Qinwen Zheng said (via ESPN)

Zheng’s only WTA title this season came at the Palermo Ladies Open in July. She will be hoping to beat Sabalenka and challenge for her second title of the season as well as a first career Grand Slam.

In case you missed it:

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• Frances Tiafoe expresses his love for ‘iconic’ Arthur Ashe Stadium after earning third straight quarterfinal berth at US Open

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