Day nine of the 2026 US Open produced a major upset as Qinwen Zheng fought back from an early deficit to beat Iga Swiatek, while Elena Rybakina defeated Naomi Osaka to keep her push for the world No 1 ranking on track.
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Key facts
- Qinwen Zheng beat Iga Swiatek in straight sets despite losing the first five games.
- Zheng, the Olympic champion, reached the main draw through qualifying after missing time with an elbow injury.
- Elena Rybakina defeated Naomi Osaka in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals.
- Rybakina's win keeps alive her push for the world No 1 ranking.
- Mirra Andreeva was also in action against Anastasia Potapova on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Day nine of the 2026 US Open delivered one of the tournament’s biggest shocks as Qinwen Zheng recovered from a slow start to stun Iga Swiatek in straight sets and reach the quarter-finals. According to the Guardian, Zheng lost the first five games of the match before mounting an epic comeback.
Zheng’s run has been all the more notable given her route into the tournament. The Olympic champion had to come through qualifying after missing time with an elbow injury, but two weeks of competition appeared to leave her sharp and, as the Guardian put it, “nicely loose” heading into the main event.
In the other headline women’s match of the day, Elena Rybakina proved too strong for Naomi Osaka, cruising into the quarter-finals with a straight-sets victory. Sky Sports reported that the win keeps Rybakina’s push for the world No 1 ranking on track.
Elsewhere on Louis Armstrong Stadium, recent grand slam champion Mirra Andreeva faced Anastasia Potapova. The Guardian described Potapova as a high-risk, high-reward player who had already beaten Coco Gauff in Paris and Amanda Anisimova in the previous round in New York. During coverage the pair were level at 4-4, with Potapova playing, in the Guardian’s words, “with confidence and poise.”
The day’s results reshaped the women’s draw, removing one of the tournament favourites in Swiatek and setting up fresh quarter-final match-ups.
Coverage of the day also touched on wider questions around the tournament atmosphere, with the Guardian’s live blog inviting readers to share views on issues affecting the event.
Why it matters
Upsets involving top players like Swiatek reshape the draw and open the door for new contenders at a grand slam. Rybakina's continued progress also carries stakes beyond the title, with the world No 1 ranking in play.
Frequently asked questions
How did Qinwen Zheng beat Iga Swiatek?
According to the Guardian, Zheng won in straight sets despite losing the first five games of the match, staging a comeback to reach the quarter-finals.
Did Naomi Osaka win her match?
No. Sky Sports reported that Elena Rybakina defeated Osaka in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals.
What is at stake for Elena Rybakina?
Sky Sports reported that Rybakina's victory keeps her push for the world No 1 ranking on track.
Timeline
- US Open tennis 2026: Osaka v Rybakina, Zheng stuns Swiatek, Andreeva wins and more on day nine – live
The Guardian Sport: Will influencers and weed smokers bring down US Open? Send your thoughts to Daniel via email Back on Armstrong, we’re still level but at 4-4, Potapova playing with confidence and poise. She holds to 30, and Andreeva must now serve to stay in set one. Zheng and Swiatek are out on
- Rybakina too strong for Osaka after Zheng stuns Swiatek at US Open
Sky Sports News: Elena Rybakina cruised into the US Open quarter-finals with a straight-sets victory over Naomi Osaka to maintain her push for the world No 1 spot.
- Rybakina too strong for Osaka as Zheng stuns Swiatek at US Open
Sky Sports News: Elena Rybakina cruised into the US Open quarter-finals with a straight-sets victory over Naomi Osaka to keep her push for the world No 1 ranking on track.
- US Open tennis 2026: Osaka v Rybakina to come after Zheng stuns Swiatek, and more on day nine – live
The Guardian Sport: Will influencers and weed smokers bring down US Open? Send your thoughts to Daniel via email Back on Armstrong, we’re still level but at 4-4, Potapova playing with confidence and poise. She holds to 30, and Andreeva must now serve to stay in set one. Zheng and Swiatek are out on
- US Open tennis 2026: Zheng stuns Swiatek in straight sets despite losing first five games, Osaka v Rybakina and more on day nine – live
The Guardian Sport: Will influencers and weed smokers bring down US Open? Send your thoughts to Daniel via email Back on Armstrong, we’re still level but at 4-4, Potapova playing with confidence and poise. She holds to 30, and Andreeva must now serve to stay in set one. Zheng and Swiatek are out on
- US Open LIVE! Osaka vs Rybakina to come after Zheng dumps out Swiatek
Sky Sports News:
- US Open tennis 2026: Swiatek v Zheng, Osaka v Rybakina and more on day nine – live
The Guardian Sport: Will influencers and weed smokers bring down US Open? Send your thoughts to Daniel via email Word up and welcome to the US Open 2026 – day nine! We begin on Armstrong with Mirra Andreeva, now a grand slam champion so spieling with house money … except not spieling with house mone