Madison Keys Takes First Set 6-1 Over Zheng Qinwen at US Open

Q: Can Keys leverage this incredible momentum to capture another Grand Slam title after her 2025 victory?

Yes — Keys has a credible chance to ride this momentum to another Grand Slam, though it would still depend on sustaining her level through the final rounds. The case for her is strong. She is no longer just a dangerous outsider: she is already a Grand Slam champion after winning the 2025 Australian Open, and she has deep experience at majors, including the 2017 US Open final and multiple semifinal runs in New York. Against Zheng, she showed exactly the blend that makes her dangerous on hard courts: a big serve, early aggression, and the ability to take control quickly. Just as important, she entered this match after surviving five match points in the previous round, suggesting strong nerve and resilience. Her broader form also supports the idea. The available profile data shows a solid recent hard-court record, 11 career WTA singles titles, and a long track record against elite competition. At 31, she also has the benefit of experience, which can matter in the second week of a major. The caution is that momentum alone does not win majors. Keys has historically been high-risk, high-reward, and her power game can produce patches of errors under pressure. The field at a Slam is also unforgiving, and maintaining that first-set level across several more matches is the real test. Still, based on her current form, hard-court pedigree, and proven ability to handle adversity, Keys looks like a genuine contender to add another major title after her 2025 breakthrough.

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 5

Madison Keys seized the opening set 6-1 in 20 minutes, closing it out to 15 against Zheng Qinwen at the US Open.
Two double faults in a messy fourth game handed Keys the first break, and she soon grabbed a second when Zheng was broken to love.
Keys is capitalizing on a reprieve after surviving five match points against her in round two, while Zheng appeared slowed by the heavy workload of her earlier matches.