US Open roundup: Rybakina moves into last 16, Zheng stages comeback

Women's second seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan beat Ukraine's Yuliia Starodubtseva in straight sets, while China's Zheng Qinwen came back from 5-0 down in the decider to defeat Madison Keys of the United States to reach the last 16 at the US Open on Saturday.

Two-time Grand Slam winner Rybakina faced some challenges from Starodubtseva, who forced the first set to a tie-breaker, but the 27-year-old clinched the 7-6 (6), 6-3 victory.

lena Rybakina of Kazakhstan waits to return a shot against Yuliia Starodubtseva of Ukraine during their Women's Singles Third Round match on Day Seven of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 05, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo: AFP)

"It was a tough match, and it wasn't my best performance. But I was happy I got through," said Rybakina, who had 30 unforced errors.

Rybakina will face Naomi Osaka of Japan, after the 13th seed saw off Belgium's Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.

"I'm literally shocked that I won this match. There was a certain point where I put my entire heart out on the court. I was trying my hardest on every single point," said Osaka.

Olympic champion Zheng continued her run from the qualifying after rallying past 22nd-seeded Keys 1-6, 7-6 (3), 7-5.

China's Zheng Qinwen celebrates after defeating the USA's Madison Keys in a women's singles third-round match at the US Open in Queens, New York, USA, September 5, 2026. (Photo: VCG)

"It is a very classic comeback," Zheng said. "I kept holding every single point. Somehow, little by little, it just happened. I turned [around] 0-5. This is the first time [it] happened in my career."

"It was a very tough game. At that moment, I showed no emotion. I just kept fighting. Against Maddie, you can't be too passive. I think I find the right balance at the end of the game. What I can say? Wow," the 23-year-old added.

In her sixth appearance in the Grand Slam last 16, Zheng will play against eighth seed Iga Swiatek of Poland. Swiatek beat Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3).

In the men's singles third round, top seed Alexander Zverev of Germany cruised past Chile's Alejandro Tabilo 6-2, 7-6 (2), 6-2, while Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo came from two sets down to upset ninth seed Taylor Fritz of the United States 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

"Of course, the top guys are the ones that are always favorite, and they always make to the last rounds, but it's open for anyone. It's good for me, good for other players that we can beat these top guys, and that shows you that the level is super close," said Cerundolo.

Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz will face home players Taylor Townsend and Tommy Paul, respectively, in Sunday's fourth round matches.