Zheng Qinwen, the reigning Olympic champion, narrowly escaped an upset at the 2024 US Open, overcoming a spirited challenge from Amanda Anisimova in a three-set thriller.
Anisimova, a former Roland Garros semifinalist, started the match on fire, racing to a 5-1 lead in the first set. However, Zheng, who stunned Iga Swiatek at the Olympics, fought back to break Anisimova twice and save three set points. Anisimova eventually clinched the set with a forehand winner.
In the second set, Zheng gained momentum, forcing Anisimova into errors. Despite a marathon seventh game, Anisimova held on and threatened to break in the following game. However, Zheng saved two set points and leveled the match with a strong first serve.
After a medical timeout for Anisimova, Zheng seized control in the final set, breaking Anisimova twice to open up a double-break lead. Anisimova reclaimed one break but Zheng’s slice backhand gave her a second break. Zheng served out the match with an ace, advancing to the second round in two hours and 20 minutes.
Zheng’s victory highlights her versatility on different surfaces, having reached the Australian Open final earlier this year. Anisimova, despite her impressive form in recent months, was unable to maintain her early dominance.
In the next round, Zheng will face Erika Andreeva, who defeated Yuan Yue in a second-set tiebreaker.