Qinwen Zheng Opens Up About Psychological Pain From Injury Setbacks Amid US Open Resurgence: “I Suffered a Lot”

Qinwen Zheng has finally reached a Grand Slam quarterfinal since the 2025 French Open. Zheng, who had been dealing with injury issues since her victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, admitted that she suffered a great deal psychologically due to her bad results.

In the ongoing US Open, the Chinese ace first overcame a 0-5 deficit in the decider against Madison Keys in the third round before repeating the same feat against Iga Swiatek in the first set during the fourth round. After knocking out the two Grand Slam champions, Zheng has scheduled the quarterfinal match against another Major champion, Elena Rybakina.

Psychologically, it’s very difficult to accept. I used to be top 10, Olympic champion, I played in the big stadiums since the beginning. And right now, my ranking has dropped so much after injury. I couldn’t perform as well the last three or four months. I know people have a lot of doubts about me. It’s just really hard for me.

Qinwen Zheng said at the press conference

Zheng has improved her head-to-head record over Swiatek to 2-7. Before this event, Zheng upset the six-time Grand Slam champion in the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Zheng is competing in this event as the qualifier.

I just need to keep positive every single day, telling myself, ‘Just keep working, let’s see when the result is gonna happen.’ It’s really, really tough. I suffered a lot, and I’ve been through a lot of pain every single loss I’ve had. At the end, sport… You just need to stay humble and keep fighting. Because once you lose that, the result will show everything. I’m just happy to be back again. If that’s what God gave to me, all the losses before… I’m sure he’ll give me something back, you know?

Qinwen Zheng added

Zheng has already played a Grand Slam final. At the 2024 Australian Open, she lost the final to World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, who is competing in this tournament as the two-time defending champion.

Elena Rybakina will reach No.1 ranking if she beats Qinwen Zheng

If Aryna Sabalenka completes the three-peat at Flushing Meadows and Elena Rybakina suffers an upset in the quarterfinals, the former will end the tournament ranked No.1. Also, if Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula win the title and the Kazakh ace fails to beat Zheng, they will reach the top.

But if Rybakina knocks out the qualifier, no one can stop her from reaching her career-best ranking. Title or no title, and irrespective of how the aforementioned players perform, Rybakina will start the next week as World No.1 if she improves her head-to-head record to 4-1.

Of course I want it. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t wish this. But definitely that’s one of my goals. I try to approach it the same way. Try to do everything I can. Fight till the end my next match. And let’s see what’s gonna happen.

Elena Rybakina said during the on-court interview

Zheng hasn’t yet reached a final since her defeat to Coco Gauff at the 2024 WTA Finals. She last won a title at the Pan Pacific Open the same year. Rybakina, meanwhile, has played four finals, winning two titles. She defended her crown at the Australian Open by beating Sabalenka, then lost to the four-time Grand Slam singles champion in the Indian Wells Open final.

After winning the Stuttgart Open by defeating Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Muchova, the two-time Grand Slam champion lost to Iga Swiatek in the Canadian Open final. Before this season, Rybakina had never made it past the fourth round of the US Open.

Also read: Jessica Pegula Claps Back at “Future” Claims After Reaching 2026 US Open Quarterfinals