Zheng Qinwen qualifies for U.S. Open main draw after overcoming injury struggles
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 9:16 AM
Last updated Aug 29, 2026
Zheng Qinwen secured her place in the main draw of the U.S. Open after defeating Elena Pridankina 6-4, 3-6, 6-0. The match took place at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, following delays from thunderstorms. Zheng's victory, her third of the week, contrasts sharply with her earlier battle against injuries that caused her ranking to drop. The qualifying rounds showcased the high stakes for players needing to earn points and financial support. Separately, Chris O’Connell retired during his third-round match after injuring his ankle, while Zsombor Piros advanced to the main draw for the first time, highlighting the emotional highs and lows prevalent in this stage of the tournament.
- •Zheng defeats Pridankina to enter U.S. Open main draw
- •O’Connell retires with an ankle injury during qualifiers
- •Piros qualifies for the main draw for the first time
- •Qualifying rounds feature high financial stakes for players
- •Decked in emotions from triumph to despair across matches
- 9:16 AMYahoo Sports — At U.S. Open qualifying, the emotions of tennis spill over as players teeter on the edge
"NEW YORK — A little after midday Friday, Zheng Qinwen, who has felt the weight of an Olympic gold medal around her neck and a Grand Slam final on her shoulders, collapsed on the green acrylic of Stadium 17 at the U.S. Open and roared with delight. In a match held over from Thursday’s thunderstorms at Flushing Meadows, the 2024 Paris Olympic champion defeated Russia’s Elena Pridankina 6-4, 3-6, 6-0. The win, her third of the week, sent Zheng into the main draw of the year’s fourth Grand Slam. Tha
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