Update from the US Open quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows has highlighted a tough victory for Shellyann Shelton, who progressed after an exhausting contest characterized by physical struggle and high stakes for the home crowd.
The focus now shifts to the women’s singles quarter-final between China’s Zheng Qinwen and Elena Rybakina. Zheng enters the match on a strong wave of momentum, having won seven consecutive matches at this year’s tournament after navigating through the qualifying rounds. She carries confidence from recent comebacks, notably overturning a 5-0 set deficit against Madison Keys in the third round and defeating Iga Swiatek in the last 16.
Rybakina, the 2024 Olympic champion, holds a psychological edge in their head-to-head record, having won four of their five encounters, including two three-set victories earlier this year. However, Zheng’s current form presents a different challenge compared to previous meetings, particularly as she recovers fully from elbow surgery.
Both players appeared intensely focused as they stepped onto the court for the 11:35 am New York start time, with Zheng wearing headphones to maintain her concentration amid the quiet early atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Four wins out of five against Zheng seems like a lot, but form changes everything in tennis. This could go either way.
Does anyone else find the early 11:35 am start time tricky for following live updates? Hard to stay awake!
Rybakina’s head-to-head record is intimidating, but Zheng’s elbow looks completely healthy now. Exciting match ahead.
I still can’t get over Zheng overcoming that 5-0 deficit against Keys. What a comeback!
Shelton is a warrior. That marathon session was brutal to watch, but she held it together.