Zheng Qinwen wins US Open qualifying opener

Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen defeated compatriot You Xiaodi 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of the 2026 US Open qualifiers. This victory marks Zheng’s first Grand Slam qualifying appearance since the 2022 Australian Open.

Following elbow surgery last July and subsequent wrist issues, Zheng’s ranking has dropped to No. 121. She noted that while she felt she had let fans down during her recent comeback, she is now playing without pain and focusing on controllable actions.

The match was notable for being televised by China’s state broadcaster, CCTV, for the first time during a qualifying round. Zheng is scheduled to face Clara Burel in the second round of qualifying.